Advehnt Guard - shawn-duveldt

"This is too easy"

A random guy shouted out "Hey! Up there!", pointing to Shawn's position.

2:12 PM

"He's here, move in immediately." Guards began to move towards him.

Shawn smiles, and starts running in the opposite direction

2:16 PM

He dashes down the winding hallway, heading straight towards the main hall of the opera house

"Good, now get running!" He heard the voice through an earpiece.

2:30 PM

"This is our only chance!" Another voice interjected through the earpiece.

2:30 PM

"Stay calm! You can get away now!" Another.

2:30 PM

"We'll retrieve the briefcase on our end." Another.

Shawn keeps running, dashing into the main hall, looking for the fastest way to the large stained-glass window

2:34 PM

He readies his knife and grappling hook

There's a chandelier above the room with good access to the window.

Shawn smirks smirkhuman

. He runs along the balcony of the opera house, ignoring all of the people silently staring at the stage. Once he reaches a position where hes exactly opposite to the glass window, he stops

(wrong smirkhuman)

2:52 PM

With the press of a button, he fires his grappling hook at the chandelier.

Shawn waves goodbye to all the guards chasing him, then swings on the changelier to the window. When he gets close, he drops the hook, and throws his knife into the window

The window explodes with glass, as Shawn heroically flew through it.

Shawn flies through the air, doing a backflip and swiflty landing ontop of one of the large polls with an advertisement for the show on it. He looks back for a second, and then jumps from poll to poll

3:12 PM

The camera moves away from him, and slowly pans over to the large full moon

3:12 PM

In a flash, the logo for the video game Masquerade V appears over the moon

3:12 PM

"Its so fucking cool"

Shawn enjoys his video games.

((what time is it rn))

3:26 PM

Shawn is sitting in his basement staring at the TV. He puts down the controller and pulls out his phone, opening Twitter

3:27 PM

He sees he got a reply from... some guy? (edited)

3:28 PM

"What the hell is a T&T2"

3:29 PM

He googles the game. It looks like weeb shit

The time is 8AM.

Shawn rubs his eyes a bit

3:33 PM

"FNAF? That shit is for babies" Shawn knows everything about FNAF lore

3:34 PM

Shawn sees the time on his phone and thinks he should probably head upstairs

Is this an indication he is doing this action

yes

3:50 PM

((sorryi should have said this))

3:51 PM

Shawn turns off the ps4 and heads upstairs

His parents have already left for the day.

It's Monday, which means Shawn has to go to school. First day. So exiting. Shawn skipped making breakfast for gaming but he grabs an orange and starts peeling and eating it (edited)

3:57 PM

He starts packing his bags for school

This act goes uninterrupted.

Shawn goes outside and waits at the bus stop. While he's waiting, he opens his phone starts scrolling through r/thathappened

4:04 PM

"this didnt happen" (edited)

4:05 PM

"this also didnt happen"

Stunningly, Shawn sees through these lies.

"im pretty sure this didnt happen"

The bus arrives.

Shawn hops on the bus

4:18 PM

He walks to near the back and tries to find a seat with no one else there

There's an available seat for him.

he sits down and browses more reddit

4:20 PM

zones out for like 20 minutes until the bus gets to school (Channel switches to here) https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/980204775855517716/980204875394736148 (edited)

"Where am I"

4:34 PM

Shawn contemplates asking someone for help but no he can do this himself

4:34 PM

he looks around

Shawn has found himself in a locker room.

What the fuck

4:36 PM

Shawn is visibly extremly worried.

4:36 PM

He cant be late its the first day fuckshitaaaaaaaa

4:37 PM

Reluctantly, Shawn looks around, and asks the nearest student the directions to his class

The girl he'd chosen nodded, and began to walk towards another hallway.

uh

4:54 PM

a

4:54 PM

what the hell

4:55 PM

okay

4:55 PM

uh

4:56 PM

Shawn rereads his schedule, and finds that his first class is in room 102. He looks around for some sign of which hall class 102 would be in, and heads there (edited)

The girl is in front of 102.

5:04 PM

he says this audibly

5:05 PM

Shawn enters the classroom, embarressed that he missed the incredibly obvious thing in front of him (edited)

5:06 PM

He sits down in first availible seat

5:06 PM

Shawn has no idea what class this is, all he knows is he has it first period

5:07 PM

He checks twitter again. Who is Sean Niebel https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/980217097265217586/980217464422010922 (edited)

Does Shawn head to his next class or like does that not matter

6:38 PM

Shawn heads home

Kite ran up to him.

“Hey”

6:44 PM

Shawn thinks to himself “how did he get my number” but decides not to say anything

((What number))

((Oh I read “rang him up”)) (edited)

6:46 PM

“Kite, right?”

"That's right! And we're bros now!"

“Sick”

6:50 PM

Shawn stands awkwardly

"Come on, bro! Cheer up! I've got something awesome to show you tomorrow!" Kite gives Shawn a friendly slap on the back.

Shawn laughs a little

6:53 PM

“What’s that supposed to mean”

"Heh! You'll see!"

((Messages are gonna be more sporadic from here))

((Fair))

“Uh, okay. Hey, what did you mean earlier, when you were calling that girl your “sworn rival””

7:29 PM

Shawn internally ponders what the hell this guys talking about, but decides questioning him not going to lead anywhere

"Well, you see, that girl... She's got plans for world domination."

“What?”

"She's crazy. That's why guys like you and me gotta put her in her place, you get me?" He smiles.

“I mean, she’s kinda weird, and like… reverse-misogynist, i guess. If that’s a thing. But like”

7:50 PM

“World domination?”

"She's not really a threat." He smirked. "But, I'm the kinda guy who just can't stand crime, you get me bro?"

“Well, I’ll help you out”

7:54 PM

“Evil kinda sucks”

"Ha! I knew we were bros at heart!"

Shawn thinks back to a meme he saw about Gas Trick from Q&A. He hasn’t read Q&A, but he’s familier with the character. This guy reminds him of that

7:58 PM

He’s decided to involve himself in this battle for good and evil

8:00 PM

“Why do they call you Kite, anyway”

"Because that's my name. I saw it in an anime." He smirked.

“That’s based”

8:09 PM

“I should get an anime name”

“Have you ever heard of Masquerade V”

"Of course! I look exactly like Joker in real life, don't I?"

“Yeah totally. That’s what I was thinking” (edited)

8:21 PM

It wasn’t what he was thinking, but he’s not going to let the opportunity slide by

8:24 PM

I need to pause here

((My first image of Kite when he started talking was somewhere in between the Polar Express Nerd Kid and Dib from Invader Zim))

((He’s Kaito Danganronpa unfortunately))

((Extremely fucked up you made one of my main NPCs a danganronpa))

(( @Not Shawn Duveldt hi))

((hiya))

They’re walking. Idk if either know in which direction they’re walking though

Shawn thinks hes probably missed his bus by now, but he can walk home. It's not like anyones gonna be waiting for him

2:05 PM

"Hey now that we have more time can you tell me what happened to your eye"

"It’s a pretty complicated story." He smirked.

Shawn’s face remained the same, but internally he was yiiking in agony. That remark reminded him of a certain game he had once played, one so terrible that the mere thought of it put him off

2:42 PM

He automatically assumed that this meant that Kite would never elaborate on his eye injury and leave it up to audience interpretation

2:43 PM

"What about you, bro? Any awesome stories?"

Shawn paused for a second. He didn’t have an answer. He was hoping Kite wouldn’t ask him something like this, but by walking into this conversation, he kinda was asking for it. Shawn’s life has been pretty uneventful so far. Actually, “pretty uneventful” was maybe the understatement of the century. His life was like a black hole of interest. To someone like Kite, the most interesting anecdote about his life would seem like just a normal Tuesday. Sure, he had some friends before he moved and has done some fun things before, but none of them were really notable, or meaningful. He didn’t have anything unique. He’s just Shawn. Even in this new school with a new chance at being somebody, he instantly faded into the background. And now he was standing in front of this guy, and had to think of something to say, some way to continue this conversation Maybe he could just deflect and talk about his parents instead That usually works “Nothing much. Me and my parents just moved here from the suburbs. They’re like business people or something, I don’t really know much” (edited)

"If your life’s been boring, then get ready for a new chapter of it!" He gave Shawn a

“That’s kinda ominous”

3:06 PM

“I hope you’re right, thought”

3:10 PM

Shawn couldn't deny the weird vibes he got from Kite, but like.... he's so aggressivly cool that it was really hard for him to view them as anything but weird quirks to his general personality

Shawn and Kite arrived.

Shawn hadn't really been paying attention to where they were walking, but he noticed Kite stop, so he stopped

3:17 PM

((are we at the bus or at Kite's house or at Shawns house or))

((Bus stop.))

"Are you on the same bus as me?"

"Nah, I don’t take the bus. You just seemed like the kinda guy to do that."

whats that supposed to mean

3:22 PM

"Do your parents drive you or do you walk. Or do you have your own car or something?"

Kite's cheery expression dropped. "I… Walk."

Shawn doesn't pick up on the change in tone of the conversation "Thats pretty cool. I used to be able to walk to school in my old place, but now it's 20 minutes on the bus. Kinda annoying, but it's probably easy to get used to"

"Well, it’s probably easier on the bus." He smiled once again.

"It kinda depends how far you have to walk, I guess." (edited)

3:36 PM

"for me it was just a few blocks away"

This conversation kinda sucks, but Shawn doesn't really know how to keep it going. He can't just ask him another question about his life, he's asked way too many and Kite's given him a whole bunch of non-answers. Kite seems to think that Shawn is a cool guy, but if he lets this kind of silence hang in the air, he might start to change his mind.

3:47 PM

He needs to think of something

Kite sat on the bench, and looked up to the sky.

Shawn's mind bounced between a bunch of potential conversation topics, ranging from Masquerade V to Belto H Shelk to that one weird image of the she/her wizard, but he thought of one, and couldnt really think of anything better, even though he knew it wasnt good

3:51 PM

He sat down next to Kite. "Which anime is Kite from?" (edited)

"It’s called Bullet Refutation. It’s about humans who hunt these things called beastmen. Kite's like the mentor figure."

"I've always wanted to check that one out. I'll look into it when i get home"

4:05 PM

Shawn just kinda stares at the sky along with Kite (edited)

"Do you think there’s anything up there?

"What do you mean? Like space? Or heaven, or something?"

"Aren’t those kinda the same thing?"

Ehn/PC

((He’s Kaito Danganronpa unfortunately))

((hm))

4:15 PM

"Didn't Yuri Gagarin say something like "there is no god up here"

4:16 PM

"But yea, that kinda makes sense"

"Hmm…"

4:18 PM

The bus finally pulled up.

Shawn gets up. "I'll see you tommorow, Kite!"

"Tomorrow it is, bro!"

Shawn waves to Kite and hops on. He walks to the back of the bus, and finds a seat. The bus arrived just as that conversation was getting interesting. Unfortunate, but Kite would still be around tommorow, probly. Plus he promised to show him "something." Shawn sat down next to a window and looked out at the bus stop

Kite was still staring at the sky.

Shawn slightly smiles, and then turns back his seat. He pulls out his phone and looks at more pictures of weird looking wizards for 20 minutes

4:33 PM

When Shawn arrived at home, he spent a few hours working on his homework, and then until around 10 oclock he sat in his basement playing through the opening act of Masquerade V and looking through Reddit and Twitter, only stopping briefly to microwave some food. He wanted to be in bed before his parents got back

4:38 PM

At some point during this weird haze, he googled Bullet Refutation (edited)

Just before he went to bed, Shawn was looking at his phone, and remembered he played the game, so he probably should update his twitter thread. As he opened the app, he reread the message he typed this morning. He thought about the past day, and he thought about Kite. Shawn didn't think he understood Kite very well, but there was one thing for certain; he was incredibly cool. The whole mysterious eyepatch backstory, the weird cool anime nickname, the whole dramatically-staring-into-the-sky thing. More then that, Kite was someone who was living a life with purpose. He was going to stop Lelouch, and he was going to do anything to get there. Meanwhile, Shawn... he had been just sorta letting life roll him by. He didn't take initiative, he just sorta followed directions. Thats the kind of person he was in his old school, and he didnt want to be that now! But... it's been a day, and the exact same thing has happened. How much of the day has Shawn spent in a meaningless haze? He had made friends with Kite and all, but he couldn't help but feel like he had just spend another day by wasting it all. Same day, different place. Was there any point to all this?

5:01 PM

Shawn thought about the thing that Kite had said earlier today. "Aren't space and heaven kinda the same thing?" Shawn wasn't really sure what Kite meant by that, but he liked how that sounded. Space, the bold frontier where only the select few best and brightest can ever hope to enter. Heaven, the ultimate reward of life, where those who reach it get everlasting happiness. Both of them distant, both of them unreachable. Only those with the intelligence and skill and sheer power of personality are able to reach ultimate happiness. Shawn wasn't one of those people. Maybe Kite was, but not him. All he could do was pretend to be one in some stupid video game. But he liked Masquerade V, he cared about it, and it made him happy. Even if Shawn's day had been mostly meaningless, he still had things that made him happier. Thats better then most people, probably.

5:04 PM

With that, Shawn typed up a tweet, and went to bed

((Chapter end))

((yay))

Shawn woke up in his bed.

Shawn checks the time

It’s like 5AM.

“Fuck”

2:07 PM

The bus won’t get here for another 3 hours

2:07 PM

and his parents probably haven’t left yet

2:07 PM

Shawn checks if he’s tired enough to go back to sleep

(Hi)

((Your choice))

((oh sorry)) (edited)

2:34 PM

He can’t. Shawn gets up and heads downstairs

2:35 PM

he. puts on clothes first. and brushes his teeth I hope I don’t have to specify this

His parents don’t seem to be up yet.

He’s awake before them. That’s a first.

2:44 PM

Normally if he was awake early he would try to use this time to play more video games, but after yesterday, he wasn’t really feeling like it

2:45 PM

he sank into the couch looking at his phone when he started thinking more about his parents

2:46 PM

He loved them. They loved him too, probably. But they didn’t really show it often. They worked very long and weird hours and generally didn’t spend much time with him (edited)

2:47 PM

Still, they had their ways. This new school was “for his benefit” they assured

2:48 PM

If they weren’t up by now, they probably wouldn’t be up until late in the morning. Shawn decided he would try to do something nice for them

2:49 PM

He gets up and goes to the kitchen and pulls out some eggs, milk, and whatever bread he can find

2:51 PM

okay so it’s just 1. Beat eggs and put them into a bowl with milk 2. Put oil in the pan and turn on the stove 3. Soak the bread in the eggs 4. Put the egg-soaked bread on the pan and fry both sides for a few minutes. Simple

2:52 PM

Shawn rolls for cooking (edited)

2:52 PM

(What should I do for this) (edited)

((Just normal rolling. There are no stats remember))

((Ok I got a 13))

Not bad.

Shawn’s almost proud. He puts the toast onto a plate and seals it with a lid, so that none of the heat gets out. Before that, he takes one out, and eats it for breakfast

3:30 PM

He eats and stares at his phone, then he finishes, gets up, puts his plates away, goes to the couch, and stares at his phone more. He loses track of time a bit

((what the fuck is a plate lid))

((It’s a pot lid. Shawn just put a pot lid over a plate))

((who does that))

3:38 PM

((idiot))

((clearly you don’t own a pot lid))

what happens first: the parents wake up or the bus gets here

Shawn’s parents wake up.

Shawn doesn’t move from the couch he’s sitting on but is also waiting for them to notice him or the food

His mom grabs a coffee and leaves.

️ (edited)

4:03 PM

he sighs to himself and goes to check that his bag is packed before he heads to school

4:07 PM

he stares at his phone while waiting for the bus

4:10 PM

he tweets something stupid

If the bus is here, SHawn gets onto the bus

4:22 PM

and does the same thing he did yesterday

anyone else a shawn duveldt fan

((I don’t think anyone is that)) (edited)

yeah

((https://tiermaker.com/create/ag-shawn-characters-610046 )) (edited)

Create a AG Shawn Characters Tier List

Create a AG Shawn Characters tier list. Check out our other Random tier list templates and the most recent user submitted Random tier lists.

((you did my idea))

11:15 PM

((i cant see any of the charecters)

((The brackets fucked it up))

((who is in between lelouch and sam, and who is to the right of shawn))

((Maria Stanley. Sophie Wight. You can check file names with inspect element))

((i forgot what channel i was in))

11:25 PM

((kite rules a lot))

The bus arrived.

SHawn hops on

2:03 PM

shawn games on his phone for a while on the bus

2:04 PM

he suddenly remembers what Kite told him

The bus was much more full today.

"Whats going on? Is there some sort of event today?"

2:07 PM

Shawn says this outloud but to no one in particuler

No one responded.

Sad!

2:10 PM

Shawn looked around confused but didnt really question it. Maybe yesterday was a religious holiday, or something

2:10 PM

He gamed more

"Ugh, really stuck with you?" A girl's voice muttered just loud enough for Shawn to hear, before she sat next to him.

"

"

"Do... do you know me? I mean- Do I know you?"

"No, I don’t know you. I hang in much more important circles."

its been literally a day and im already in the lame nerd groups. i mean, i knew that already, I guess, but it stings

2:23 PM

"No need to be rude about it"

2:27 PM

What does this person look like

I doubt Shawn would remember her, but this is Sophie.

((has she shown up before??))

2:30 PM

((i thought she was the person who Lelouch mentioned))

2:31 PM

((was she the girl who told me where the classroom was? I thought that was Maria Stanley))

2:34 PM

((yeah i dont think shawn has ever met sophie before))

((Oh weird. The image is on the tiermaker anyway))

"Well, uh, It's nice to meet you. I'm Shawn"

"I don't remember asking."

Who the fuck is this bitch

2:44 PM

2:46 PM

Shawn looks at her with a mix of confusion and contempt. He moves closer to the wall and starts staring at his phone again

She crossed her arms and made a very over exaggerated display of annoyance.

Shawn checks his school email to see if theres any notice of some kind of event for today or yesterday. He's still curious why the bus is much more full

Shawn hasn’t received anything.

"Wonder what thats about"

3:00 PM

he goes back to redditing

The bus stopped.

Shawn packs up his things and heads outside. He looks around for Kite

((Roll))

7

No sign of him.

He'll probably be at Wikipedia Entry Class

3:11 PM

Shawn heads there

Kite is indeed there. So are most people who attend this class, but Lelouch is absent.

"Hey, Kite!"

"Hey, bro!" He grinned.

"What's up"

"Not much." He leaned back in his chair. "I’m soaring too high to even count the clouds. Guess all that’s left is endless infinity."

you gotta love this guy

3:25 PM

"Hell yeah dude"

3:27 PM

Shawn sat next to him

3:27 PM

"What was that thing you wanted to show me yesterday"

Lelouch entered.

hi

((Hi))

5:32 PM

Kite walked out of the school.

Shawn followed close behind

Kite headed down a nearby alleyway.

"Kite, where are we going?"

"You’ll see!"

Shawn follows

Kite finally stopped in front of a single crowbar. "Incredible, isn’t it?"

"Th-The crowbar?"

5:59 PM

Shawn suddenly starts feeling a lot more nervous

"Yeah! Isn’t it awesome!?" He grins.

"..."

6:06 PM

What the fuck does this mean

6:06 PM

"Crowbars are pretty awesome yeah. Have you played Quarter-Life?"

"No, this one’s special, bro! It’s magic or something!"

"Whats so magic about this crowbar?"

Kite slammed the crowbar against a large dumpster. It broke clean through without any seeming effort.

Wh

6:11 PM

"Holy shit"

6:11 PM

Shawn was at an impass. His gut was telling him that this was terrifying, that he was in some dark alleyway with a person he barely knows, talking about a random crowbar on the road. That side of him said that Kite was a weird, crazy stranger that just slammed a crowbar through a dumpster On the other hand...

6:12 PM

"Can I see that"

"Nah, this one's mine. But the girl who gave me it's supposed to be here soon."

"Huh?"

"Ehn! Where you at!?"

((holy shit))

Every instinct Shawn had was telling him to run. Whatever was going on here was weird, terrifying, unnatural. No crowbar should be able to do that. He was starting to doubt Kite, this whole thing should have been a mistake. If he'd just kept his head down, if he'd just avoided conversation, if he just didn't look forward to this one thing for the entirity of this morning, maybe he wouldnt be in this situation. He could still run, escape before whoever this En person was showed up, avoid Kite forever and go back to his normal life... and then what? Keep doing the same stuff? Keep getting lost on his way to school because he has no people to help him around? Keep getting looked down upon by random girls on the bus? Keep up this isolation? What kind of life would that be? His legs were shaking, his arms were sweating, he couldnt move his feet. He was afraid. But he knew, right down to his core, that he couldn't move. He couldn't run. Because running would mean going back home.

6:24 PM

He can't do that.

6:27 PM

"Who's Ehn?"

"There you are!" Kite looked at thin air. No response. "Of course! He’s my bro!" No response. "Every good hero needs a sidekick, isn’t that right, bro?" (edited)

Shawn is suddently reconsidering his big "conquoring his fears" moment

6:29 PM

"Kite are you okay?"

6:32 PM

Shawn was 99% sure ghosts werent real, but if they were real, they weren't scary

"Of course! Come on Ehn, just show yourself here! You're making me look crazy in front of my bro!"

Kite was definitly looking crazy in front of his bro

"Ugh, alright." A girl's voice spoke, and a white dog appeared where Kite had been talking.

Wh

6:37 PM

Shawn stares at the dog for a few seconds before turning to kite

6:37 PM

and then back to the dog and then back to kite and then back to the dog

6:38 PM

"is this... your dog?"

6:40 PM

"or"

6:40 PM

"no" (edited)

6:40 PM

"WHat the fuck is happening"

"Nah, this is Ehn." Kite moved away so Shawn could talk to the dog.

This is a dog

6:41 PM

Shawn stared at the dog for a few seconds

6:42 PM

before turning back to Kite

6:42 PM

"is it rude to pet a talking dog"

"No, I like it." Ehn replied. "The dog has spoken." Kite.

Shawn pets the dog

6:46 PM

wait no what the fuck

6:46 PM

"You can talk?!?!?!"

6:46 PM

"I mean, i guess i got that already"

6:46 PM

"but"

6:46 PM

"What?!?!!?!?"

Shawn does not feel any matter there while petting the dog, but Ehn seems to like it anyway.

"So... You're... En?"

"There's an h in there." Ehn. (edited)

"Right, right, okay"

6:50 PM

Shawn takes his hand out of Ehn, stands up straight, and takes a deep breath (edited)

6:50 PM

He pauses for a second to gather his thoughts

"So, you want that cool ability or what?" Ehn.

"whoareyouhowcanyoutalkhowdoyouknowkitedidyougivekitethatcrowbarhowdiditdothatthingwiththedumpsterwhydidmyhandgothroughyouorsomethingidontreallyunderstandthatpartalsohowcanyoutalkimnotsureiveiveaskedthatalready"

"I told you this guy was a boring nerd." Ehn answered nothing.

"Cool ability?" (edited)

"Yeah. That’s my thing. I give people a deal. A special ability, in exchange for a favour down the line. I’ve explained this like 5 times recently, it’s getting old to repeat this."

"so you're like... Xorgon from Might Force. Or Yeagor from Masqerade V"

6:58 PM

"okay, I think I get it"

6:59 PM

Shawn didn't get it at all, but he was getting really good at pretending like he was

6:59 PM

"Okay, so, what kind of power do I get?"

"Your ability will be manifested in an item. So don’t lose it, or someone else will get it and use it." Ehn walked around like she was searching for something.

"Which item?"

"Ah, here!" Ehn motioned to a shopping bag tucked behind the dumpster.

7:04 PM

"Ah, you found that, huh? Well, see bro… I wanted to use these abilities for the good of humanity, you get me?" Kite.

Shawn stayed quiet. He was still processing all this

"So, I got us the best available gear!" Kite showed the contents of the bag. 2 cheap superhero costumes from a party store.

Shawn looked at him, then looked at the costumes, and then started laughing. He put his hand to his forhead and ducked down a bit. His laughs were breathy at first, his nervousness coming through, before eventually, it was just a laugh of an exasperated happiness

7:12 PM

He turned to Kite

7:13 PM

"Okay. I'm in. Let's do this"

7:13 PM

"But I can get us better costumes"

7:13 PM

His parents probably didnt need that money anyway

"Too late." Ehn. "I already put the ability in one of those."

7:18 PM

"I’ll take the better costume though, bro!" Kite laughed.

((Oh I misread))

7:19 PM

((I thought the cheap costumes were unrelated to the bag lmao)) (edited)

7:20 PM

Shawn grabbed one of the costumes

"Alright, let’s suit up and patrol." Kite put on his cheap costume.

7:21 PM

"As for the ability… I dunno what it is. Maybe try hitting it with a normal object?" Ehn. (edited)

This is happening. This is really happening. Holy shit. I can’t believe it

7:24 PM

“Hitting what? The suit?”

Kite swung a large metal chunk of the dumpster at Shawn.

“KITEWAITNOAHH”

7:28 PM

((I assume shawn put the suit on by now I just haven’t said it I guess))

It completely broke apart upon hitting the suit. Shawn barely felt a thing, and no dent could be found on the cheap plastic.

“…”

7:38 PM

“Amazing”

"Awesome!" Kite cheered.

What does Shawn’s suit look like (edited)

It's like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ripoff where it looks more like a beetle than a turtle.

7:41 PM

Kite is Batman.

“Okay so”

7:44 PM

Shawn pauses

7:45 PM

“What does yours do?”

7:45 PM

“Also ehn uh”

7:46 PM

“Are there other people out there in these costumes? Should we be watching out for them”

7:46 PM

“Actually, who are you”

7:46 PM

Shawn’s having a much harder time going with the flow all of a sudden

"It's me, bro! Kite! The coolest kid you'll ever meet, but as an adult."

7:54 PM

"There are no other superheroes, no." Ehn.

“You mentioned earlier giving this speech 5 times”

She grhk!s.

7:58 PM

"Sorry, that's confidential. But they're not using their powers to fight crime or anything, so don't worry about it."

7:58 PM

Several screams of help can be heard from nearby.

((Can I pause for like an hour sorry need to eat food))

((Yup))

Several screams of "Help!" can be heard from nearby.

((hi sorry))

2:49 PM

"Ehn, lets talk later, I guess. Kite, lets go."

"Alright! Let’s go, bro!" He yelled much louder.

2:52 PM

"We should get code names first, though. So people don’t recognize us. I’ll be Kite." He started walking towards the calls for help. (edited)

((lmao))

2:52 PM

As they were walking, Shawn was shuffeling through his backpack and pulled out one of his textbooks to use as a weapon

2:53 PM

"Oh yeah, good idea"

2:53 PM

Shawn looked over his costume for a second before saying the first thing that came to his mind. "Call me Beetle"

"Got it, bro." Kite gave a thumbs up.

((:kitethumbsup:))

On the road were 2 large trucks. The screams came from back of the truck in front.

im definitly fucking hallucinationg right now. is this what drugs is like.

3:03 PM

"Ok, how do we want to do this"

3:04 PM

Shawn scanned the enviorment

((Roll))

3:09 PM

((You post the numbers here after))

9

Shawn doesn't see anything noteworthy aside from the 2 trucks that are sadly not having sex.

Shawns muscles involuntarily flex anyway

3:11 PM

"We can sneak up on them from the side of the truck, probably. Or we can climb on top, if we're fast. What do you want to do?"

Kite immediately ran in and hit the side of the truck with his crowbar. "Aha!"

"Okay"

3:13 PM

Shawn runs next to Kite

Inside the truck was Lelouch Maoziwam, an unfamiliar girl who seemed to be the same age as them, and a person in a white suit whose face was almost entirely obscured by bandages(With the exception of their eyes). All 3 were on the floor of the truck, tied up.

((does lelouch just know my identity))

((Back to here))

Theyre safe, probably. Now all thats left is

4:07 PM

"Kite!"

"We've gotta beat 'em at the root, bro!" Kite charged in even further.

There were two things that were holding Shawn back. The first was the hostages. They were the number one priority, and if their saftey was in jeopardy, then he needed to do as much as he could to save them. However, it seems like theyre safe, at least for the moment. Maybe that ??? guy would be a danger to them too, but he didnt really know or care The second was fear. Its kinda a natrual human response to be afraid of men with guns shooting at you. Guns arent exactly natural, nor had shawn ever seen one before, but the loud sounds and the fast speed and the huge recoil and the many, many years of learning from television made him keenly aware that he should avoid them at all costs. Except, that was now gone too. He's invincible. No one can touch him, or hurt him. The bullets feel like a gentle massage. He's not the same as everyone else anymore. He cant ever be hurt again, not with this suit on. And that meant he had no reason to fear

4:17 PM

Shawn readied the gun like a baseball bat and charged at the goons

"Yeah! There we go, bro! You're my shield here!"

4:19 PM

"You're done." A woman in a white suit spoke up from behind them, as she carried a large mini-gun. And then she opened fire.

"TRY ME, BITCH"

4:19 PM

Shawn stood directly in front of Kite

Even though the bullets shattered on impact, the sheer amount of them pushed Shawn backwards.

4:21 PM

"This isn’t what they meant by girl power!" Kite ducked behind a truck.

Shawn started laughing maniacally and charged at her with his gun (if it hasnt been torn to shreds)

((Roll))

fuck

4:22 PM

3

Shawn is pushed back by the wave of bullets.

4:23 PM

"This is the end of you. No more meddling." White suited woman.

"You got anything stronger then that? I'm getting bored here"

The gas began to leak out from beneath the car, revealing what was clearly already a sizeable puddle.

"Hm?" (edited)

The woman’s bullets struck the gas, lighting it.

"OHFUCK-"

"What’s wrong, bro?" Kite.

4:27 PM

The woman turned and ran from the obviously incoming explosion.

"KITE GET OUT OF HERE"

4:28 PM

Shawn tries to jump on top of kite, to protect him

4:28 PM

((13))

4:30 PM

i assume hes like. Nearby. given how he said that

4:30 PM

if hes not then like idk. he jumps out of the way

The truck explodes.

"KITE"

"Thanks bro!"

"Are you okay?"

4:33 PM

Shawn is entirly disorented right now

"I’m doing great!" He got up, and looked around.

Shawn gets up, doing disoriented half-cough half-wheeze laughs

4:35 PM

his ears are still ringing

4:35 PM

"You're okay.. okay... okay good. we're all good... Where are they?"

"Must've run like cowards! It's only natural when they're facing off against a guy like me!"

"Kite... we almost just died... or at least like.. you almost died"

"Don't be ridiculous! Guys like me never die! And you're doing just fine!"

"haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaugh"

4:39 PM

"Okay. Let's get out of here and find Lelouch"

4:40 PM

"Should we leave that guy there? The one I knocked out"

"Yeah, leave him for the police. They can deal with the grunt work."

4:41 PM

???'s voice yells out "HELP!"

Shawn turns to kite. "Lets go"

"Right on!" Kite ran into the alleyway.

Shawn followed closely behind

"Kite, I have an idea"

4:52 PM

"I'm going to throw you my gun, and then you're going to shoot it at me. It'll shock the goon, and ill use that oppertunity to pounce on them"

4:53 PM

"If this jay thing doesnt work out lets do that"

"Got it, bro!"

Kite started heading off back towards the school.

“Holy shit man”

"What a night, huh?"

“God”

6:02 PM

“Okay one thing at a time”

6:02 PM

“Who the hell was that guy

6:03 PM

also

6:03 PM

“who the hell were those white suit guys”

6:03 PM

“why was Lelouch kidnapped”

6:03 PM

“Who was that girl”

6:03 PM

“also fucking”

6:03 PM

“superpowers”

6:03 PM

“what”

6:04 PM

Shawn starts shaking again

"A real hero doesn't care about those details, bro!"

6:04 PM

"We just gotta beat up the evil people when they spring up!"

6:05 PM

"An evil conspiracy society's just a bonus at the end of the day!"

“…” (edited)

6:06 PM

“Yeah, okay”

6:07 PM

Can we pause here or

((Was expecting to end the chapter actually))

((Just need a few hours))

((Alright))

((You're on Friday))

((That should probably be fine))

10:22 AM

((my schedule hasn’t really changed much since last time lmao were probably good))

((Are we just going to go to the end of the chapter or are we going to continue))

((We will continue and probably end the chapter today))

10:54 AM

((Unless you have more things for Shawn to do(an action I do not intend to oppose)))

((the only thing I really want right now is to give Shawn a second to process the situation he’s in(the situation he’s in is insane))) (edited)

10:56 AM

((if he gets that or not is up to you (either way would be good))) (edited)

"There a problem, bro?" Kite smiled just as brightly as ever.

Shawn stopped for a second

11:12 AM

“I don’t know, Kite. It’s just so much all at once. This feels like a fever dream”

11:13 AM

“How can you stay so… I dont know, unquestioning, right now. Like, this is the most insane thing to have ever happened. Magic is fuckin real, Kite! And evil conspiracies and amnestics with mind control powers and talking dogs and all sorts of shit that doesn’t exist outside of comic books.”

11:14 AM

“I’m trying to get by here but like I’m barely keeping up”

"You've just gotta be awesome! When you're cool enough, these things will have trouble keeping up with you, you know!?"

“…”

11:18 AM

“I’m glad to have you around, man”

11:19 AM

Shawn look away from Kite, towards the sky

"Does (the protagonist of Masquerade V I forgot what it was) stand around worrying about how it works? No! He just knows!" The accuracy of this statement is dubious.

“Masquerade…”

11:25 AM

Shawn looks down at his costume. It’s kinda silly looking, but at the same time, he’s more powerful right now then just about anyone else

11:27 AM

Thinking about that made him feel weird. Just this morning, he was some kid from the suburbs, but now, he’s… better, in a way. At the same time, he still felt the same in too many ways. He was still Shawn Duveldt, but now he had the opportunity to be something more

11:27 AM

the opportunity to

11:27 AM

he has the opportunity to do anything now. The sky’s the limit. All he had to do was

11:28 AM

“Okay. Where are we going”

"We're gonna find that evil mastermind, Lelouch Maoziwam!"

“Right, Lelouch. I hope she’s safe”

"Why are you siding with the enemy!?"

“She’s probably back at her house, or at that other girls house. Do you know where that is”

11:32 AM

“Okay well”

11:32 AM

“Even if she is an evil mastermind, she was also literally kidnapped”

"She probably just did that to throw us off!" He scoffed.

“Those goons were firing at her. I think they hit her too”

"She must just be very thorough!"

“Listen, Kite, whoever those white suit guys were, they’re our enemies, and they’re Lelouchs enemies. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, or something”

"That would make the white suits our friends, bro! Your logic isn't checking out."

“…”

11:37 AM

“Okay well”

11:38 AM

11:39 AM

“Let’s just make sure that other girl is ok”

"Yeah! We gotta save her from that villain's mind control!"

Shawn skips the part where he asks for directions and starts walking with Kite towards… idk Lelouches house? Wherever they are

11:42 AM

“Why do you even hate Lelouch so much. Like I know she’s a supervillain or whatever but like. As far as I can tell, she’s just like a normal girl. She’s kinda girl-obsessed and eats cereal out of her backpack but like otherwise she doesn’t seem that bad”

"Every hero has his archnemesis!" Neither of them knows where Lelouch lives.

“I guess so, but like. Why do you think she wants to take over the world or whatever”

11:45 AM

“Idk I just don’t want to be beating up someone if they don’t deserve it”

"She told me it's her goal. Every supervillain has an evil monologue!"

"Okay but like. Shes a high schooler. How's she going to do that."

11:49 AM

"i mean, maybe if she had our powers, but like"

11:49 AM

"I dont think she does?"

"That's exactly why she's a dangerous force!"

"Because... she has no powers?"

"Because she's going to try anyway!"

"She's not going to get very far"

11:52 AM

"Taking over the world is really hard. She can barely take over a ziplock bag"

11:53 AM

Shawn knew there were 5, maybe 6 people total who had been granted powers by Ehn. He knew for sure that it was himself, Shawn, and that mysterious bandaged guy, but who were the other 3? Obviously, there would be no way of knowing who the other 2 or 3 are, but maybe it could be Lelouch and that girl? Maybe the organization kidnapped them because of their powers. Then again, it could be totally unrelated. Either way, hes probably on thier hitlist right now, so he should watch his back

11:54 AM

If they had powers, why didnt they use them? The mysterious man didnt know he had powers until Ehn told him, but at the same time, he lost his memory, so he probably made a deal before that.

11:54 AM

Wait a second

11:54 AM

"Where are we?"

They're somewhere near the school at this point.

"Kite, I thought you knew were Lelouch lived"

"Huh? Did I say something like that?"

"I don't know, probably. Have we just been walking in circles for 15 minutes"

12:01 PM

"Do you have her phone number?"

"I have her twitter."

"Message her, ask her where she is"

12:04 PM

Shawn looks at the message he sent her

12:05 PM

"Kite what the fuck"

"It's accurate!"

"This is a threat"

12:06 PM

"Shes going to think we're going to kill her"

"Hm, good point. It's better if she's surprised."

"Ok but now youre saying it was a joke when you asked her for her location" (edited)

12:09 PM

"also you're STILL threatening her"

"Well what is it SUPPOSED to say then?"

"I dont know just tell her like"

12:11 PM

""Please tell us where you are right now. we're not going to kill you. this isnt a threat"" (edited)

12:13 PM

"ok thats fine"

12:13 PM

"Now we just wait for her to respond i guess" (edited)

12:15 PM

"Hey, who do you think the guys in white were. Like, what do you think they were trying to do"

"They're probably supervillains, working for Lelouch. You see it all the time in movies."

"actually"

12:17 PM

"i have a genius idea"

12:18 PM

"Theyre all in like special white suits right. And they probably buy them en-masse. What if we could find the guys who tailor shitloads of white suits. We could probably track them through that"

"Great idea, bro!"

"I don't know anything about online tracking"

12:23 PM

"its probably a bad idea to just go to different stores in the city and ask them if they sell white suits"

12:25 PM

"they might also have a personal tailor within their organization... and whoever it is probably would keep it secret... maybe we can find out who it is if we get a hold of one of their suits... nah but theyve probably cleared out everyone by now... we don't know that for sure tho, they could still be there... also, there's that mysterious guy... hes in a different white suit... or is it the same one? is he one of them? probably not, maybe hes like an ex-member before he lost his memory..."

12:26 PM

Shawn keeps rambling for a while before stopping (edited)

12:26 PM

"Has lelouch responded yet"

12:27 PM

"She probably wont. maybe shes like. kidnapped or something"

12:27 PM

"again"

"I hope so."

"Kite, we cant just sit around doing nothing. We gotta do something"

"Do we?"

“Yeah? I thought we’re like heros of justice?”

"Well, not today! If you beat all your enemies in the first chapter, where’s the conflict gonna go?"

“I… I guess so”

12:38 PM

“So like… you just want to go home?”

"A real Hero of Justice isn’t a hero until he’s saved 20 people!"

This statement sounds completely plausible to Shawn (edited)

12:42 PM

Shawn takes off his mask

12:43 PM

“Whats lelouches twitter?”

"MaoMao."

Shawn pulls out his phone and follows MaoMao on twitter

12:47 PM

“Honestly… I don’t know how much more we can get done today. If she doesn’t respond to our messages, we have no way of finding her until tomorrow morning. We can go back to the crime scene but if the police are there I don’t want to get tangled up in that. Our best best right now is… probably to go home”

12:48 PM

It feels wrong to say that. Shawn has all this power and he’s still completely powerless to do anything right now. All he can do is wait for things to happen

12:49 PM

Shawn wants to keep adventuring, keep being a superhero, but

12:49 PM

He’s stuck. Again. He’s back where he was a few hours ago, before he got these powers

12:51 PM

Forced to rely on others to do things for him to react to. No agency, no meaningful actions. Just this feeling again

12:52 PM

Shawn looks down, depressed again. “I don’t know where you live, Kite, but I think you should head home”

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow, bro!"

He’s so fucking positive about everything. Shawn doesn’t get it. How is he just content with literally everything that happens

12:56 PM

Shawn walks away, but as hes walking, hes looking for a store or something that will have an availible bathroom for him to change back into his civilian clothes

12:56 PM

He waves goodbye to Kite

Shawn walks back home

He probably finds a store on the way yeah.

Shawn’s back in his norml clothes

1:15 PM

what kind of store is it actually

It's a department store.

They sell departments here? Crazy

1:17 PM

Shawn leaves and goes home

((Do you seriously not know what a department store is or))

1:18 PM

Shawn arrived home.

((I know what a department store is. Whether Shawn does or not is left up to interpretation))

1:21 PM

Shawn checks to see if his parents are home

They are arguing in their room.

...

1:25 PM

Shawn heads quietly to his room, and closes the door so he cant hear (edited)

1:26 PM

He stuffs the costume into some bag and hides it in the closet. He collapses onto his bed

1:33 PM

In that instant, everything catches up to him. He thinks about that dog again. He thinks about lelouch and that man and that girl. He thinks about the who-knows-how-many goons assulting him. He thinks about how they shot at him. His body aches all over, but it's easy to deal with pain. It feels like he got hit by 5,000 teddy bears. But... those were bullets. Real bullets. He should be dead. He's not dead This is real. All of this is real Shawn isnt a hero. He's not effortlesly cool like someone from a comic or from Masquerade V. He can barely save a few hostages. This power, this gift, this oppertinity is wasted on him. Why did Ehn pick him? Whywhywhywhywh

1:34 PM

shawn thinks about last night. This is what he wanted. All he wanted was a chance to do something. Be someone. Not just another figure in the background. And now, life has given him that chance.

1:34 PM

He has to take it. He needs to. If he wants to escape this is the only way

1:34 PM

and well

1:35 PM

is it not a dream come true? It's everything he's ever wanted, right in front of him, and he cant recognize it

1:35 PM

Couldn't recognize it. Maybe now he can

1:37 PM

Shawn hated his life before he moved here. He still hates his life a bit now. But... now, Kite and Ehn have given him the freedom to be someone else. And he's been so hesitant to accept because...

1:38 PM

Because he's been holding on to his old life. Despite everything, he still keeps holding onto it. That doesnt have to be who he is anymore

1:39 PM

Maybe he's just scared of the unknown. He's a hero now, he doesn't have time for fear. Kite was right, if he wants to really do good... he needs to simply accept whats happening

1:40 PM

As Shawn drifted to sleep, he dreamed of himself, standing atop a skyscraper

Shawn completes chapter 2.

((is this too much of a spoiler for Shawn Duveldt Ch2))

((Not at all imo))

((The French toast one is better sadly))

((Session on Friday))

((AG today?))

((Yes))

((awesome))

Shawn woke up.

shawn checks his phone to see what time it is

It’s about 6AM.

fuck

11:05 AM

shawn immidietly passes out again

11:05 AM

((do i roll for this))

((Lmao????))

((its too early))

Shawn goes back to sleep for another hour I guess.

Once he wakes up, Shawn lies in bed for around 10 minutes before getting up, getting dressed, brushing his teeth, taking a shower, and heading downstairs for breakfast. His face looks like frisk undertale and it does not change during this entire period

11:09 AM

(even while he brushes his teeth dont ask how)

Shawn's father is drinking coffee.

Shawn snaps out of his Frisk face and is somewhat suprised (although, now that he thinks about it, he's usually awake around now, yeah)

11:17 AM

"Good morning" Shawn says, looking at him for a second before walking towards the kitchen to make breakfast

"Yeah, hi… Shawn." A response.

Shawn quickly makes himself eggs and toast. There's only one table to eat at in the kitchen, so he'll have to sit across from his dad.

11:21 AM

Shawn wonders if he should explain what happened last night to him. He then stops doing that immdieietly

11:22 AM

While hes walking, shawn also checks to see what happened to the french toast he's made yesterday. It's definietly not edible by now, he's just checking if anyone cleaned it up

It has been cleaned.

Shawn wonders if whoever cleaned it, his mom or his dad, actually considered it at all.

11:24 AM

He finishes making his food and sits across from his dad

His dad does not actively acknowledge this in any significant way.

Shawn eats his breakfast silently. While he's eating, he checks his phone

11:29 AM

He looks on twitter for anyone tweeting about the thing that happened last night

11:31 AM

Shawn tries to acknolage his fathers presence to the same level that he acknolages Shawn's

Seems like the police are investigating it, and everyone’s wondering what happened.

wow, I am too. crazy how relatable this is

11:34 AM

Shawn looks for posts related to himself

Nothing.

Thank god

11:35 AM

Shawn then thinks back really hard and searches up Lelouch's twitter

11:35 AM

MaoMao right

11:36 AM

Nothing new...

11:37 AM

Shawn gets up, puts the rest of his food in the trash, puts the plate in the dishwasher, and gets ready for school

11:38 AM

Before he goes, he looks at his dad for a sec

He’s not wearing a suit for some reason.

"Not going to work?"

"Hm? …Oh?"

Shawn keep looking at him

Sipping coffee.

Asshole

11:42 AM

SHawn leaves

11:45 AM

He waits for the bus and hops on

The bus arrived yup. It’s just as full as yesterday.

Shawn sits down somewhere but this time hes more attentive of the random chatter of everyone around him. At least, if theyre talking about something he cares about (ie stuff that happened last night). if theyre not, hes not paying attention

Just seems like random gossip.

12:08 PM

The same girl as yesterday sits next to him. She looks panicked out of her mind.

"Are you ok?"

12:09 PM

12:10 PM

((he doesnt do this))

"H-Huh?"

"Hi, sorry, I don't want to disturb anything but like, are you okay? You seem really freaked out."

12:23 PM

Shawn is completly unphased for some reason.

12:23 PM

Well, not for some reason. He's a hero. If he can deflect bullets then he can help some girl

"Do I know you?"

"No."

12:29 PM

"I'm just trying to help out"

"Well I don't want it!"

12:32 PM

He thinks this

She gripped her head.

Shawn suddenly thinks i probably am not going to help by getting involved

12:35 PM

But

12:35 PM

He still really wants to

12:36 PM

He stays quiet for a few seconds before turning away to his phone, looking over more news about the thing last night

Nothing new.

It doesn't really matter if its new or not, as long as it distracts Shawn from his current situation

The bus arrives at school.

Shawn hops off the bus and looks around for Kite and Lelouch

((Roll))

(18)

Kite is in the alleyway next to the school.

"Hey, Kite!"

"Hey, bro! You have a good night?"

"More or less, yeah. Have you seen Lelouch?"

"Not yet."

"Weird. I hope she's at school today"

12:56 PM

"How've things been"

"Great! I was thinking, we need a name for our group right?"

"We do? I mean... we're kinda just two people"

1:03 PM

"I guess Ehn"

1:05 PM

"Still, what are you thinking?"

"Advent Guard! It's like the city, but way more awesome."

((is the fucking.silent H a part of the story))

1:07 PM

((Advehnt, Ehn))

1:07 PM

"That sounds awesome!" (edited)

"Hell yeah!"

"Quick question, what does Advent mean"

"It's short for Adventure!"

"Thats even more awesome"

"Hell yeah it is!"

"Ok, then let's go with that. What's the plan for the rest of today? Go track down those white suit guys? Go find Ehn and that ??? guy?"

1:14 PM

"Find where that girl and Lelouch went?"

"And kick ass while we do it!"

'Yeah!"

"Yeah!"

((What are these gifs))

((dab me up))

2:02 PM

this is the whole campian

2:03 PM

Shawn walks with Kite to class

Kite also walks with Kite to class.

what the hell

2:09 PM

Shawn goes to his desk. is Lelouch there

She is not.

what the hell

2:19 PM

"Hey Kite, I'm worried about Lelouch"

2:20 PM

"I know shes like, the enemy, or whatever, but like"

"She'll be fine!"

"The last time we saw her, she was kidnapped"

"She got away!"

"Maybe? For all we know, she was kidnapped again"

"Idk"

2:32 PM

"Hopefully, she'll turn up"

"In a body bag, maybe." He declared confidently.

"Either way is fine"

"Hey, bro... I was thinking. You need an archnemesis too, right?"

Shawn wasnt paying attention to class, and was thinking about last night and being a hero and all that shit. But hearing that from Kite kinda woke him up a bit

2:56 PM

"hm? oh.. I mean, yeah, probably"

2:56 PM

"But like I think I'll find one natrually, yknow? I feel like seeking out someone to be my archnemisis is just going to make me look bad"

"What!? No way! I mean like, remember that girl? The one who was trying to be Lelouch's sidekick? I think there's really something there."

"Do you mean the girl who was kidnapped with her?"

2:59 PM

"Shes like"

2:59 PM

"a victim:

2:59 PM

"of kidnapping"

"For now."

"Ok IF she isnt being hunted by the shadow goverment or something and IF shes idk actually evil then maybe"

3:01 PM

"do you know who she is"

"No idea! I was just thinking, because Lelouch and her are like you and me, you know?"

((what does this imply))

((Groups of 2))

(())

3:05 PM

"Well,I guess if we see her again, then maybe."

3:06 PM

"yknow who would be a cool nemisis tho"

3:06 PM

"whoever that girl with the minigun was"

"Nah, I call dibs on her. She's way more mysterious and sinister, you know? That's obviously my type!"

"you cant call dibs, you already have lelouch!"

3:07 PM

"also, she wasnt shooting at you!"

"You're my bro! It's all the same!"

"..."

3:09 PM

"ok wait, I have an idea. What if all of them: lelouch, that girl, the minigun woman, theyre all collectvily the nemisises of Advent Guard"

"Okay, now we're getting somewhere!" He gave a thumbs up.

"awesome!"

"

While Shawn is not paying attention, he checks his youtube subscriptions for Johnsfilms

New video with The Elusive Sentasaurus where they pretend to be family members of random people on the street.

"this guy is nuts"

3:28 PM

shawn comments on the video "more like the elusive sentaBOREus"

Shawn Duveldt leaves the classroom

3:53 PM

Or he doesn’t idk

((I love waiting on other players!!!!! Class has not started yet))

Shawn duveldt is very disoriented from what time it is

“Hey, kite, how did you meet Ehn anyway”

"She just came up to me randomly."

Lelouch arrived.

Shawn is recording this conversation on his phone because he’s an asshole

5:12 PM

His phone is like on record, but it’s in his pocket so they can’t see

Shawn stops the recording before he enters the classroom

Shawn says this quietly so that Lelouch cant hear "I think we should investigate Sophie tonight. She seems connected to all this. Do you know what she looks like?"

Can you update my tiermaker

((Who's missing))

((Ehn, ???, Jade, and I guess the white suit lady)) (edited)

Ehn/PC

((https://tiermaker.com/create/ag-shawn-characters-610046 )) (edited)

also can you pin this

Ehn/PC pinned a message to this channel. 7/15/2022 8:51 PM

((Jade is there))

8:51 PM

((So is ???))

((ah ok))

8:52 PM

((Greenish hair girl is Jade right?))

((Yeah))

8:54 PM

((Next Session: Shawn Duveldt Stalks A Girl))

((Okay now they're all there))

((Session on Friday))

ok

Not Shawn Duveldt

Shawn says this quietly so that Lelouch cant hear "I think we should investigate Sophie tonight. She seems connected to all this. Do you know what she looks like?"

"Yeah, I know 'er!"

"According to Lelouch (dubious source, I know), the kidnappers told her that Lelouch was the wrong target, and Sophie was the actual intended target. So it's definitly possible that she's connected to this whole thing. Hell, she might be kidnapped soon"

11:11 AM

"Do you have a picture of her?"

"Why would I? The only things on my camera roll are awesome heroes!"

hes so fucking cool

11:12 AM

"no i mean more like. idk her profile picture?"

"She doesn't have twitter."

"she lives in the 21th centruy and she doesnt have twitter what the fuck"

11:15 AM

"Well, idk. How are we supposed to find her"

11:16 AM

"lelouch described her as a """""""really hot goth tomboy gf girl.""""""" which in lelouch language could mean any girl" (edited)

"I'll find her. I'm a pro at this sort of thing." He leaned back in his chair confidently.

"I'll take your word for it"

11:19 AM

"By the way, we should probably go ask Ehn what happened to mr. ???. He could be important"

11:24 AM

shawn duveldt

"Alright, let's go!" Kite led the way to another classroom.

Shawn follows behind.

11:26 AM

((is this another classroom the next class we have or is it just some room))

Kite kicked the door open violently. "Sophie Wight!"

"KITE NO WHAT"

11:37 AM

Shawn looks out into the classroom

11:37 AM

((lmao holy shit))

Sam Kidink is in there.

You think so?

11:39 AM

new chat time i guess

(( ))

Lego Skeleton

Shawn Duveldt

Jump

Go to message!

This is bad. Really bad. What the hell is Shawn supposed to do now? His whole plan kinda relied on subtlty and privacy. Obviously, he couldnt just tell this ever17 guy that he was a superhero or whatever, but how else is he supposed to get out of this? not to mention this shit is really really awkward (edited)

11:56 AM

(( https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/1000064700081516694/1000068800588296213 )) (edited)

((The space goes after the link))

so fucked up

“Ok, so, we have another lead. The Elusive Sentasauros”

2:17 PM

“Even if he isn’t related to the kidnappers, he’s still a bad guy. Probably. We should go beat him up”

"Good idea, bro! But who’s he and what’d he do?"

“He’s the YouTuber who kidnapped Sophie”

"Don’t you remember what you said!? Enemy of my enemy's friend is my friend."

"That is true...."

2:22 PM

"Still, I think it would be weird if he wasn't connected to all this. We should probably at least go talk to him"

2:23 PM

"Think about it: a secret organization is looking for a girl, but they cant find her, because she's been kidnapped by someone else! So, then, why did the second guy kidnap her? I don't think Sophie is going to give us any answers..."

"Yeah, she’s a real bitch. No use wasting time on her."

"Yeah.... Hey, Kite?"

"Yeah, bro?"

"I'm..."

2:32 PM

"I'm really sorry about earlier. I know that Lelouch and eveyrone who she associates with are our enemies, and you were just doing what was right, but I thought we really really needed that info. I shouldn't have said those things to you"

"No problem, bro. It’s all good. But you better back me up next time we do battle, you know?"

"Totally"

2:38 PM

(can i pause here)

2:39 PM

(or should i keep going cause i can its just inconvenient)

((Yeah sure))

2:40 PM

((For the day or just for a bit))

((i think for the day but ill be availible tommorow probably. idk when sent has his session but we'll probably run into him soon))

Lelouch responded.

At Maria’s. We’re working on our project. I’m going to be busy so I’ll talk to you later.

Shawn messages her back

Sam was looking for you

He was? I guess I'll see him tomorrow. If that's all you needed, I'll be going now.

((Friday))

https://youtu.be/oNkknCwH9lk

Gianni Matragrano

THE WRETCHED FUNGUS

Shawn's phone rings.

Hi sorry

11:18 AM

Shawn picks up ((https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/1000064700081516694/1002596016240984095 )) (edited)

It's Sam.

"Kite, change of plans. We're going to [insert hospital location the Sentasaurus gave him] hospital" (edited)

11:29 AM

"Apparently, thats where Sentasaurus is"

"Got it, bro. But like... Next time, you let me declare that. Really way more of my style."

"Oh, okay. Gotcha"

11:30 AM

Shawn calls an Uber.

11:30 AM

"While we're waiting, I think we should look through Sentasaurus's online profile to get a sense of him"

11:31 AM

Shawn holds out his phone for Kite to see and looks through Sent's twitter

11:32 AM

lmao okay

11:35 AM

"I knew this guy was a prank youtuber, but I didn't know about the drama between him and Johnsfilms. What's this about him "lying about something" and "it could kill him"

11:35 AM

"He seems to dislike our school"

11:35 AM

"and" (edited)

11:35 AM

"Wilford..."

"Who's that?"

"Sent mentioned someone named Wilford in his messages. That's my dad's name"

11:37 AM

"Theyre... probably not the same guy. But still. I'm worried"

11:38 AM

Shawn loves his dad. He knows that. This is true. But at the same time, he didn't know anything about him. They weren't exactly close. Maybe when he was a kid, but it's been a long time since then, and his mom and dad have become increasingly busy. Interfeering with their business wasn't something he liked to do

Someone called for help nearby.

Shawn looks around for where its coming from

It's outside.

((are we not outside okay))

11:46 AM

Shawn goes Outside

11:46 AM

but like from a distance

((I doubted if we were for a second))

11:46 AM

There's a convenience store nearby. It is coming from that.

"Kite, do we want to go check that out"

11:47 AM

If its a fight, we're ill equipt

"Obviously! We're heroes, you know!? Just give me a second to get really ready! Not in a coward way, in a heroic tactical retreat kinda thing!" He dashed into the alleyway.

"Yeah, man!"

11:48 AM

Shawn is alone now

11:48 AM

Shawn is worried

11:49 AM

He looks out into the convenience store, into whatever that disturbance is, and thinks to himself

11:49 AM

"This is what I want, right?"

11:50 AM

"Jump into there, be the hero, save the day"

11:51 AM

Shawn thought about his interactions throughout the day. He thought about Lelouch and Sam and everyone else. He thought about how despite what he was doing, he was still in his comfortable nothing. and this was his chance to break out, to be something. Why did he feel this way looking into it

11:51 AM

The sidelines are so much more comfortable

11:52 AM

But he was given a gift. He can be a hero. He's the only one who can (aside from his bro, but that's not whats important right now) And if someone's in danger, its his responsibility to do everything he can to help

11:52 AM

Right?

11:53 AM

Shawn waits a minute for Kite to come back

11:53 AM

If he doesn't come back, Shawn heads into the store alone

Kite returned with his costume and the crowbar.

"oh shit, the costumes"

11:54 AM

"Here, you head into the place, i'll put mine on quickly"

11:54 AM

Shawn heads into the same alley

11:55 AM

rolled 11 in getting the costume on quickly

Shawn has the costume on. Kite is at the store.

What's happening?

The store is being robbed at gunpoint.

((Batman hears about crimes when he sees the bat-signal and gets the info from Commissioner Gordon. Spider-Man hears about crimes from a stolen police radio headset. Superman hears about crimes from his super-hearing. Kite and Beetle hear about crimes because they always just happen to be across the street from them happening))

12:02 PM

Shawn says to kite as they walk in "Okay, if they start shooting, stay behind me"

"Hey, criminal! We’ve come to arrest you!" Kite called out. "We’re awesome heroes of Justice, so you’re pretty much dead already!"

"Yeah, so put down the guns and come out peacefully. Or else"

The criminal responded by taking the cashier hostage.

"oh come on are you kidding"

12:11 PM

"A hostage right now? Really? Why? You are robbing a convenience store. If you get caught, that's like a few years, at worst. But taking a hostage? Murdering someone? That's going to give you 20 years to life. Doing this is going to fuck you over more than anything else" (edited)

12:11 PM

"We're two guys in costumes. Are you going to kill someone over us?"

12:12 PM

Shawn fucking hates when this happens in tv shows

He shot Shawn.

"Bitch"

12:12 PM

Shawn tackles him

((Roll))

15

The criminal is tackled.

Shawn tries to get his gun away from him and pin him onto the ground

((Roll))

also 15

The gun is knocked away, and he’s pinned down.

12:17 PM

"Great job, bro!" Kite.

"Awesome."

12:17 PM

"We cant stick around when the police get here so."

12:17 PM

"We need to hold him here somehow

"I’ll tie him up." Kite looked around the store.

"Gotcha, bro"

12:19 PM

Shawn gives a thumbs up to the hostage

12:19 PM

oir

12:19 PM

not a hostage anymore

Kite returned with a bundle of rope. "Bro, can you go pay for this? I don’t have any money."

"I only have my credit card, and we cant use that"

"Why not?"

"Secret identities, bro" (edited)

"Well we’re not gonna rob the store to save it from a robbery! That’s like… Injustice."

"I mean"

12:24 PM

"Hey, Mr. Store Owner! Can we borrow this rope for a bit?"

12:24 PM

"We'll give it back!"

"Uh… Sure." Mr. Store Owner.

((mr. store owner S tier))

The criminal pushed Shawn off him in a panic, and bolted for the door.

Shawn had him pinned!

12:30 PM

Ok

12:30 PM

"Wait what hang on no"

12:30 PM

Shawn bolts after him"

12:30 PM

"no no no no no no no no"

Kite swung the crowbar at the criminal. A miserable sounding crack rang out.

"Holy shit"

12:35 PM

"is he okay?"

The criminal cling to nearly flat leg and screamed out in utter pain.

12:36 PM

"That’s what you get, you criminal!" Kite went for another swing.

"KITE NO"

12:36 PM

"You're going to"

12:37 PM

((is this revenge for the gotham convo yesterday))

12:39 PM

did the guy die

((This is like the first Kite scene I wrote))

12:44 PM

The guy is alive but now his arm is broken too.

12:48 PM

"He’s the villain! I was just stopping him, Shawn!" Kite.

"K-kite"

12:50 PM

"We're heros, man. We shouldnt be doing this"

12:53 PM

"I-"

12:53 PM

You cant see it through his mask, but shawns eyes have gone wide

"He’s the criminal! Plus, it’s not like I killed him! It’s a hero's job to stop every criminal! I thought you got that, Shawn!"

"Yeah but..."

12:55 PM

"We're not here to torture them, right?"

12:55 PM

Right?

"This isn’t torture! It’s totally lawful arrest! And even if it was torture, they’re just criminals? Who’re they gonna complain to, other criminals?"

Shawn is frozen silent

"I thought you were supposed to be my bro here!"

1:00 PM

"You’re supposed to fight criminals, not defend them!"

1:01 PM

"Is this a game to you? You don’t understand how dangerous criminals and scum actually are, do you!?"

((ill be back in 1 sec))

am back

((Wb))

Ehn/PC

"Is this a game to you? You don’t understand how dangerous criminals and scum actually are, do you!?"

((this line goes so fucking hard))

1:43 PM

"..."

1:43 PM

"Kite, I... I don't know about this"

"You’re just playing around! Out here in the real world, people like him will take everything from you!" Kite grabbed Shawn’s arm and forcefully dragged him out of the store.

Shawn lets himself get dragged out

1:48 PM

Shawn's mind is kinda a blur right now

1:48 PM

"Kite, I'm.. I'm so sorry"

Kite dragged him down several streets all the way to the front of an old empty building. "Do you know what happened here?"

"I... No, I dont. I've never..."

"When I was a kid, my parents joined this cult. Edlightenment. Just a con man talking big about his 'teachings' so we’d give him money. Growing up, his teachings were all I ever knew. Took even a guy like me years to accept he’d been stringing bullshit together. But I didn’t get to process that with my family. Because once he bled 'em dry, he killed them. All of them."

1:56 PM

"Now he’s sitting in a jail cell for the rest of his life. But it’s not like no one knew he was a criminal. But they treated him as some con man. 'Who cares if he gets a quick buck? He’s no danger.' They said. And now, because of them, because people were lenient on his crime, so many died."

1:59 PM

"So if I’m gonna be a Hero of Justice, I’ll make sure nothing like that ever happens! I’m Kite, member of Advent Guard! And I’ll make sure no criminals can ever hurt anyone again! I will become justice! So if you want to be a hero like me, you better quit treating this like a game!"

1:59 PM

"You got that!?"

((you get it now))

2:00 PM

"..."

2:00 PM

"Kite... I'm so sorry."

2:02 PM

"I've been awful to you. I don't come from your background. I've never known that kind of pain. So... I thought that when I was doing these things... well, I realize now that I was doing that for me. If being a hero of justice means stopping as many criminals as we can... then I'll follow your lead"

"There we go, bro. I knew I picked the right guy." He smiled.

What does it mean to be a hero? What does it mean to have responsibility? Shawn didn't know, but he knew the answer to different, related question. What does it mean to be a normal person? A civilian? To be a civilian is to be a person who is willing and able to ignore the injustices of the world. It’s to be a person who is content with an existence of stagnency, where crime can go unpunished as long as it doesn’t affect those personally related. Shawn couldn’t be that person anymore. He has a chance not to be. He can be better. And Kite… Kite was never given an opportunity to be a civilian. He was forced into this life. Shawn can go back at any time, Kite can’t. Because of that… Shawn has a duty, a responsibility, to never abandon Kite.

((I showed you my tragic backstory now we can be hero complex besties))

((

))

Kite went back to his usual cheery idiot personality. "Now! What were we doing?"

Shawn went back to his usual nerd emoji persona "Well... We should probably get away from the convinience store. We don't want to be seen by cops. Also, we were headed to the hospital to find Sentasaurus. I think we should probably change back into normal clothes tho, we dont want to be seen and attached to the crime scene, and also we'll have a better chance of getting to his hospital room in our normal outfits"

"Good idea, bro! You got a bag or anything?"

"I still have my backpack with me, yeah"

2:19 PM

The hospital is in walking distance now hopeuflly im not calling another uber

They arrived at the hospital.

Shawn whispers to kite "Okay, so in order to get to his room, we have to pretend to be huge Sentasaurus fans"

"What does he do? What are we being fans of?"

"He's a prank youtuber, so he has a bunch of videos where he does pranks with Team 9 guys, and he should have a small following. Look at this"

2:24 PM

2:25 PM

"Sam sent him a single message, and he reacted instantly. I think this guy doesn't have many fans, but appreciates the ones he has a lot. So if we want to get close enough to him to get info, we have to pretend like we're fans"

2:26 PM

Shawn walks up to the receptionist at the hospital. "Hi, we're here to visit a patient?"

"Yes, who would that be?" Receptionist.

"It's uhh Smith? Bob Smith?

"Bob Smith…" They checked the list.

2:32 PM

"We’re his biggest fans! Top of the line, really. You look up Bob smith fans in the dictionary, we’re right there next to the man himself. What’s his name again, bro?"

2:33 PM

"If you’re fans, then no. I can’t let fans visit patients."

"What? Why not?"

"Celebrities don’t enjoy paparazzi."

"Okay, okay, I have an idea. Kite, keep her distracted"

2:34 PM

Shawn breaks away and pulls out his phone

Sentasaurus does not respond.

Shawn goes back to the desk

"We’re not just fans, we’re like… Basically brothers, right bro?"

"Yeah exactly"

2:46 PM

"well"

2:47 PM

"Yeah we're fans, and we're bros but we're also... school reporters. Yeah"

2:47 PM

"We want to do an interview with him"

The receptionist sighed, and looked again. "Oh, he left a while ago."

"Oh shit. Where did he go? Or is that breaking the hypocritical oath or whatever"

"I don’t know. I don’t ask."

Shawn leaves the building

2:55 PM

with Kite

"Well, that was a pretty great day, I think."

"Yeah, I agree"

2:57 PM

"I think we're all dry on leads for now though. I've sent some messages to Sentasaurus on twitter but I don't know if he will respond. Otherwise, I guess we just have to stay on the lookout"

2:57 PM

"I'm going to head home"

"Alright! Goodnight, bro!"

"See ya tommorow! I'll let you know if theres any updates"

2:58 PM

Shawn lied just now. There was still one lead he hadn't followed yet

2:59 PM

He walks back home, and thinks about what hes going to ask his dad

3:05 PM

Shawn goes back to his house and looks around

His dad is there.

"Hey Dad, I have a question"

"Hm?"

"Do you know anyone named Bob Smith?"

He shook his head.

"Ok. Also, do you know anyone named Darfee?"

Again, he shook his head.

"One more thing. Were you at a cafe at any point in the past few days"

3:12 PM

"and did anything weird happen while you were there"

"A cafe...? Uh. No."

"Ok. Thanks anyway"

3:38 PM

shawn leaves

Shawn duveldt goes to his room and reflects on his bed

((Is this reflection going to be written out or were you expecting a prompt))

((i will later sorr))

((Session on Friday))

((

))

((CAN'T believe you would make me include white suit girl and then forget who she is...))

((She’s the most important character!))

11:31 AM

((Who’s the other guy))

((General concept of white suit guys))

11:34 AM

((I mean he also represents a specific one but I don’t think you met that guy))

((Oh ok))

11:34 AM

((no Mr Store Owner so fucked up))

11:35 AM

((I don’t think they would change much anyway they’re not really characters rn))

Not Shawn Duveldt

Shawn duveldt goes to his room and reflects on his bed

shawn does this now

8:19 PM

The moment Shawn falls onto his bed, everything that happened today fully catches up to him. The conversation with Lelouch, with Sam, the endless rabbit hole that is the white suit organization. The confrontation at the convenience store. Kite's past.

8:21 PM

He stares at the celing for a minute, his thoughts in a rush. It's so much. It's all so much. Was Shawn the right person for this responsibility? Was he good enough? Was he in over his head? Was he

8:21 PM

Shawn gets up. This isnt helping. He can't deal with this right now

8:22 PM

He heads downstairs, into the basement, and boots up his playstation. He spends the rest of the night playing Masquerade V

8:22 PM

he doesnt go back upstairs

8:27 PM

((It's not friday,))

whatever

((am i just waiting for everyone else to finish ch3 or are we starting ch4))

((Oh are you just playing games until midnight))

((yea that was a chapter end))

11:09 AM

((joke from escapism))

It is now midnight, is Shawn doing anything else. ((Also the chapter ended Yeah))

Shawn tweets the thing i typed earlier (edited)

11:10 AM

He also checks his phone for messages from Sentasaurus

11:13 AM

shawn sees the thing

11:13 AM

11:15 AM

Shawn sends the messages to Kite and thinks about his next move

11:16 AM

to Kite: he wants to meet up somewhere. Trying to figure out a good place for it. Not sure where, somewhere private

No response.

No hope of that. Maybe he'll respond tomorrow morning.

11:20 AM

Shawn turns his eyes to the TV screen

11:20 AM

He slowly creeps up the stairs

11:21 AM

He reaches the top and looks down the long, dark hallway

11:21 AM

The bright moon shines through the windows

There is an anthropomorphic squid-like creature standing in the corridor. It begins to drag itself towards you.

"Shit"

11:24 AM

Shawn pulls out his knife and stands in a defensive position

The creature strikes first, but misses.

Shawn dashes towards it and stabs his knife straight into its forehead

11:26 AM

He pulls it out and jumps back to his defensive position

The creature lets out a groan of pain, and attempts to heal itself back up.

Shawn smirks, and holds his hand out. In a flash, a strange tall man wearing red appears behind his back. Shawn snaps his fingers, and the squids wound bursts into a purple flame

The creature is slain. Shawn's new XP is tallied up.

"Too easy"

11:37 AM

The next area should be a the boss fight

11:38 AM

Shawn heads forward, making sure to avoid more encounters

Shawn comes face to face with the Not-Cthulhu boss, Squid Games.

holy shit

11:41 AM

Squid Games is a tough fight, if Shawn remembers correctly. But if Shawn uses Haruto, Emma, and the Cat correctly, he should be able to beat him. He bought enough sodas for him to stay healed up

11:42 AM

His friends rejoin him in a cutscene, and he begins the fight

11:42 AM

Before Shawn can make his next move, the battery on his controller dies

11:43 AM

"Goddamn it, what the fuck"

11:45 AM

Shawn wants to continue, but itll be like 15 minutes until his controller recharges. He just saved, so its not like he lost any progress. and he's about to fall asleep.

11:45 AM

Shawn decides to head upstairs. He falls into bed

Shawn is now in bed. ((I assume he goes to sleep?)) (edited)

yea

((Session end.)) (edited)

lmao

11:54 AM

Best session ever

Exactly

((Pretend Ryuki is Shawn video game))

((can I respond to Song's message))

((yeah sure she sent them at like midnight anyway))

12:16 PM

"Who the hell is this?"

((Session on Saturday))

((this is better actually))

12:46 PM

((at least for this week))

Shawn woke up the next day.

2:02 PM

Oh wait no this is the same day. Whatever

Shawn checks his phone

2:02 PM

need to know if Kite responded

He did.

2:10 PM

‘meet at alleyway next to (address). In costume'

"Gotcha"

2:37 PM

Shawn gets up, gets dressed, heads downstairs.

2:37 PM

Is this adress in walking distance

Yes. But you’d probably miss the bus.

Shawn contemplates that for a second, then texts lelouch

2:40 PM

going to be late to class today, send me ur notes if you take them

2:40 PM

He quickly makes himself breakfast

No response.

Shawn eats his bowl of brand cereal and heads out.

3:08 PM

He brings his costume with him, but waits until he's a good distance away from his house to duck into an alley and quickly change

Shawn is now in costume.

Shawn (in costume) meets up with Kite at the alley

Kite is also in costume and with a police officer. "Heya, bro!"

A police officer? Oh shit are we busted for the thing yesterday?

3:37 PM

"H-hey Kite"

"So this is your partner, right?" The officer. "Of course! This is my bro, Beetle! Isn't that right, bro?" Kite.

"Y-yeah Officer. That's me"

3:41 PM

What new fuckery is this

"My name is Officer Johnathan Kingsley. I need your help."

"Huh?"

3:44 PM

"What do you need us for?"

3:44 PM

Shawn was totally expecting for him to try to arrest them. They did break the arm of a criminal yesterday, so it wouldnt be without good reason

3:45 PM

But criminals are criminals, and Shawn guesses that cops dont care

3:46 PM

This was interesting, though. A cop wants their help? Kite and Shawn have been trying their best to do heroics but... maybe this can be legitmate? They can get their very own Commishoner Jim Gordon. They can be legit heros.

"Something... Bizarre is going on. I don't really understand it, and quite frankly... I have no idea how to deal with it."

"Well, you've come to the right people"

3:50 PM

"The Advent Guard are the experts when it comes to all things bizarre"

3:50 PM

"or adventurous"

"Is that what you're called?" Kingsley. "Of course! Named it myself." Kite.

"Yeah, thats our group"

"Well, put simply... Someone is definitely planning to rob this place I'm supposed to be guarding. They're... Calling themselves the collective unconsciousness, or something like that." Kingsley.

Shawn puts his finger to his chin but forgets he has a mask on

3:57 PM

"Couple of questions"

3:58 PM

"Where do you work? Who are the Collective Unconciousness? Why do they want to rob that place?"

4:04 PM

"They wouldn't happen to be people in white suits, would they?"

"I have no idea... Some guy I never met just ran into the building, tried to steal things, and then randomly started talking as if he knew everything about me... Then he just... Died." Kingsley. "So you want us to fight ghosts?" Kite.

"Hm"

4:14 PM

"So... he was like... possessed, or something?"

4:15 PM

"Do you remmeber what he said?"

"What he said at which part?"

"Just... in general"

4:16 PM

"Any idea of what he wanted to steal"

4:16 PM

"Or why he wanted to do it"

"I have no idea what's in that building. I can show you, though."

"Sure"

4:19 PM

"Oh, one more question, before that"

4:19 PM

"How did you know about us?

Kingsley moved to leave, before stopping. Oh, uh... Detective Scott mentioned you. I trust his judgement. He's like... My mentor, in a sense." He laughed awkwardly. "One of many, at least."

((did you just put Jim Gordon in your campaign)) (edited)

4:21 PM

"Detective Scott? I've never heard of him"

4:21 PM

"Kite, what about you"

"Uh... Yeah, a bit." Kite didn't like the question.

Shawn sees that Kite is nervous, and decides not to press him

4:25 PM

Instead, he asks (quietly, as the guy walks away) (edited)

4:25 PM

"What do you think about this? Should we take this job?"

4:26 PM

It sounds like a dream, but Kite's apprension makes Shawn rethink this a bit. An officer approaching them? This could be a trap

"Of course! Think about it, this is basically our first supervillain!" Kite followed Kingsley.

"feel like its the second supervillain"

4:32 PM

"Anyway... here's what I'm thinking. If we're dealing with possession... then i think we have a lead"

4:32 PM

shawns doubts are gone

"We do?"

"Think about it. We know Ehn gave powers to 5 people. Of the 5, we know about three. Me, you... and the masked man"

4:35 PM

"That guy was held hostage, and he possessed those two goons. I think he might be responsible for this"

"Good idea, bro!"

"After we check this place out, and do the Sentasaurus thing, we should investigsate him"

4:49 PM

"lets go"

"Sounds great!" Kite is in fact still following Kingsley as they talk.

Ok

4:50 PM

Shawn walks with Kite and Kingsly

They arrived at a storage facility, and Kingsley quickly entered.

Shawn follows, and looks around. What kind of place is this? Also, what part of town are they in

There's an office for a security guard, currently empty. There's a door to actual storage places. The room itself is very bland.

"What do you guys store here"

"I have no idea. This place actually belongs to Shuichi Maoziwam."

"Maoziwam..."

5:00 PM

((the advehnt guard world where you just causally say shit like "Shuichi Maoziwam"))

5:01 PM

"Mr. Kingsley... the man who came in the other day... Did he have a white suit? And somethign covering his face?

"No."

"Hmph"

5:02 PM

"Do you have security footage from then?"

"No, we don't actually.."

"What? Why not?"

"There aren't any cameras."

"Hm"

5:05 PM

Shawn starts walking towards the storage room door

5:05 PM

"Were you the only witness?"

"No, there was a guard. But he killed the attacker before I could understand anything."

"A guard? What's their name?"

"I have no idea."

Do you know anything

5:08 PM

like

5:08 PM

at all

5:08 PM

Shawn heads into the other door

It's a corridor with doors on each side. Each door has a keypad on it.

"Huh?"

5:11 PM

"What is this place..."

5:11 PM

This makes sense though.

5:12 PM

Shawn was imagining some kind of warehouse, but a private complex like this

5:12 PM

Well

5:12 PM

"Do you know which room he was trying to get into?"

"He didn't know the code."

"Do you know what they store in this place?:

"Um... Money?"

"This isnt a bank"

5:20 PM

"I think"

"Well, maybe Mr. Maoziwam values his own money too much to trust banks?"

"I don't know about that."

5:22 PM

"Have you ever heard of the Stable Inflation Rate?"

"No?" Kingsley.

"Its this economic principle, basically the goverement tries to keep the inflation rate of the dollar at a stable rate, usually around 2%. If money stays the same in value, or depricates in value, then the safest thing to do with your money is to hide it in a place like this. But with this inflation rate, the longer you keep your money out in the open, the lower in value it becomes. This forces people to spend their money, and invest it into the stock market or something"

5:27 PM

"Basically, there's no way a rich guy like Shuichi Maoziwam would keep his money locked up in a place like this. If he wanted his money to be secure, he would have to use the banks, or invest it somewhere"

"Oh, I see... You're pretty smart for someone who wears cheap plastic."

((

))

5:28 PM

"Thanks"

5:30 PM

"But anyway, that means a couple of things. There's two possibilities I see. Either there's something physical stores here that that man wanted, or something illegal"

5:31 PM

"Whatever it is, it's something that this Collective Unconciosness group wants. Do you know anything about them?"

"Nothing. But they clearly know about me for some reason."

"What did they say about you?"

"That's... Probably irrelevant."

"Hm"

5:34 PM

"Kite, what do you make of all this"

"No idea, bro!"

Shawn thinks for a second

5:39 PM

he turns to Kingsly

5:39 PM

"Can we see the scene of the crime? Where the man was murdered?"

"You're standing in it."

"Huh"

5:42 PM

Shawn is kinda distubed by that

5:43 PM

"They cleaned this place up well"

5:47 PM

Shawn scans the enviroment for any clues

Nothing really. It's a really bland hallway.

Shawn turns back to Kingsly

6:12 PM

"I'll be honest, I don't really know how or why anything happened here. I've got some ideas, but I can't really say anything for sure"

6:13 PM

"You want us to protect this place? Okay. We can do that. But at the same time, if we're dealing with an organization like this, we can figure out whats really going on. As long as we have all the info we need"

6:15 PM

"There's been one question at the center of this mystery: who was the criminal? What was his deal? Why did he attack the way he did? Until we figure that out, we're as good as stuck"

((End session, sorry))

Ok

6:32 PM

good session

((Saturday))

1

shawn duveldt design update

((Lmao???))

((i found the picrew again and decided to recreate it so i could make it without the background and i dedied this would be funny))

11:26 PM

((tumblr post))

11:28 PM

((accurate to mental state of his rn tho))

((aw damn i thought this was at 3))

2:03 PM

((i should still be good tho))

"I’m more of an officer than a detective. Figuring these things isn’t exactly my strongest talent." Kingsley.

"Okay well"

2:07 PM

"Still, why did you want us here? If we have no information, we're gonna have a hard time defending this place"

He clutched his head. "Even now, I can’t do anything…"

Shawn didnt say anything

2:11 PM

Shawn walks over to Kite to talk to him privately

2:14 PM

"Dude, do you have any idea what we're supposed to do here? All we know is that some guy attacked this place, said some crazy shit, and then was killed. We don't know what happened, who the guy was, what he was looking for"

2:14 PM

"This is all weird as hell"

"Sounds perfect for us, then." Kite smirked.

"Still, what's our next move?"

"Good question." Kite thinks.

Shawn stops to think for a second, before turning bakc to Kingsly

2:40 PM

"Let's find some way to stay in contact. You let us know if anything crazy happens, or if you hear any updates about this Collective Unconciosness"

"Oh, uh… You’re not staying here?"

"Well... I don't know. I'm just speaking generally"

2:46 PM

"Should we be staying here?"

"Well, that’s kind of what I meant by guarding the place…"

Aw fuck, okay

2:50 PM

Shawn thinks for a second

A man in a guard outfit entered the corridor.

"We can probably do that, yeah. But like-"

2:50 PM

Shawn looks up at the guy

“Now what in the hell is going on here.” Guard.

2:52 PM

"Ah, sorry… I thought you weren’t coming back today." Kingsley.

"We're... uh... Security"

“Mhm. That’s great. I’m just here to check over a few things for a report. The big boss has become increasingly paranoid, as have all the bosses in between.” He rolls his eyes to accentuate the point. “If they’ve really gone wild enough to recruit this as help, so be it. But if you’re actually here at an unscheduled time trying to do something not strictly legal, I’d prefer you not waste my time and admit it so we can get to shooting each other or you taking me hostage or whatever.” He pauses. “Bet this is just a fuckin’ diversity hire.” He mutters under his breath, but still definitely loud enough for everyone to hear.

3:03 PM

"We're the most legal people of all. Isn't that right, bro?" Kite smirked.

"Yeah, we're as legal as it gets"

"I hired them to defend the place after yesterday." Kingsley admitted.

"We gotta discuss the terms of that"

3:06 PM

"Hey wait, are you the person who shot the guy here yesterday?"

“No comment. Anyway, is this… significant security upgrade warranted? The guy from the other day did nothing but wander around and die.” Guard.

3:12 PM

"Sorry, I guess I just..." Kingsley bit his lip. "We are pretty significant security upgrading. We'll make sure no supervillains come, isn't that right, bro?" Kite.

3:15 PM

“Supervillains ain’t real, kid. Just criminal lowlifes and criminal lowlifes with other lowlifes working for ‘em.” Guard.

3:16 PM

"Oh yeah? Is that so?" Kite confidently tears through a wall with his crowbar.

3:19 PM

“What the fuck are you doing!?” The guard reaches for his gun.

“Hey hey hey calm down”

3:20 PM

“We’re not enemies”

"Why not? He could be that collective unconscious thing." Kite.

"Listen man, this is all just a misunderstanding. The cops are the good guys here"

3:23 PM

"And besides, I think he's just misinformed"

3:23 PM

Shawn turns to the guard

3:24 PM

"We're here to protect you guys against supervillains. And this sounds like a comic book, but I assure you, they're real"

“This side isn’t supposed to be breaking through things, you know.” Guard.

3:26 PM

"Well I don't trust him." Kite protested.

"We don't have to trust him to work with him"

3:28 PM

"We're all on the same side here, right? All we want is to protect whatevers in this building. Let's just work together on this."

“I have seniority, so better learn to deal with me being here, Batman.” Guard.

3:31 PM

"The name's Kite! Hero of justice extraordinaire! And you better remember before you try to belittle someone as awesome as me!" Kite.

"Yeah!"

3:33 PM

This guy is such a prick

“What, am I supposed to recognize that?” Guard.

3:39 PM

"Hell yeah you are!" Kite.

"You will soon enough, anyway"

3:41 PM

"I guess we never introduced ourselves. I'm S-I'm Beetle, and this is Kite. We're the Advent Guard"

3:41 PM

"Experts in all things unnatural"

"Hell of a good title drop, bro!" Kite tries to highfive Shawn.

Shawn tries to highfive Kite

They highfive yup.

Nat20 on the high5

LMAO

Shawn and Kite do the most awesome high-five ever seen

“Great. I would’ve thought I’d hear about someone doing whatever this is if it had been going on for some time. So you’re rookies at this, then?” Guard.

3:44 PM

"Call it young pros." Kite smugly retorted.

"Our names are already getting out there. Officer Kingsly reached out to us personally"

"Detective Scott recommended them." Kingsley.

"Yeah see! Even Detective Scott knows about us"

“Scott? Really? Can’t say I agree with him on all too much, and he always played loose with how things are traditionally done, but he seemed a little more serious than this.” Guard.

"Don't judge us by our outfits, we're the most serious people around!"

The guard sighs.

3:53 PM

“Whatever. I already work in a damn circus.” Guard.

3:53 PM

"So what did you need to check out?" Kingsley.

"Well, right now I think we should talk about the terms of this job. When do you want us here, how often, what are the hours, the pay, etc"

3:55 PM

"Big issue is just we have daily lifes, yknow. Half of being a hero is managing your secret identity, right"

3:56 PM

"But also we're not heros just so we can stand in/near a warehouse and make sure nobody enters or leaves. We're here to do justice"

"Ah, yeah. You distracted me. You can deal with whatever negotiation this is, right? I’m gonna go to (one of the doors). Let me know if you need me, though clearly I’m secondary in expertise around here.” The guard begins to trudge away, leaving behind the venom of his words.

4:03 PM

"Okay, bye..." Kingsley waved off the guy,

"God, what a dick"

4:05 PM

he says after the guy walks away

The guard opens a door.

Shawn waits for him to go through the door ebfore he says the message i typed before

He goes through yup.

4:07 PM

"Is he?" Kingsley.

"I don't know. He seems like one"

4:08 PM

"Probly just a messy introduction tho"

"Most guys I work with are like him."

"That's sad. When you get so jaded like that, you miss out on all the fun parts of life"

4:12 PM

Like I'm one to talk

"I wouldn't really consider myself jaded."

"Well, yeah. You're pretty cool"

"Not as cool as me, but hiring us gets you closer for sure." Kite.

"Yeah on the coolness tier list, you're like high B tier"

"...Thank you."

"

"When that guy comes back, I think we should kill him." Kite.

"What? Why?"

4:24 PM

((okay kite))

"He's definitely evil. Probably the whole mastermind supervillain." Kite. (edited)

4:27 PM

"Is this because he insulted you?" Kingsley.

4:29 PM

"Who the hell do you think I am!? If this collective unconscious really exists and possesses people, maybe they possessed that guard! It's a good way to get to the money, isn't it?" Kite. "That's... A hunch, at best. He could also just be doing exactly what he says." Kingsley.

4:30 PM

"Don't you cops use hunches all the time!? I've seen your movies! It's 90% hunches!" Kite. "No... That's different. That's not a hunch." Kingsley.

"I don't know Kite. Just cause he doesn't like us doesn't mean he's evil"

4:31 PM

"Spider-Man wouldn't be Spider-Man if J Jonah Jamison wasn't around"

"I'm telling you I know it! This is Kite's great hunch at play! And my hunch is never wrong, like those cops in movies!"

4:34 PM

"Again... Not a hunch." Kingsley.

4:36 PM

"Then what the hell is it!?" Kite. "When a cop 'just knows', that's intuition. Not a hunch. Detective James says the difference is important." Kingsley.

((wrvawibpsdiufvbepirbvepsibfgveapbrfg))

4:37 PM

"I always trust you on this stuff, man, but even if you're right, we can't just kill him. If he is being possessed, our best bet is to try to catch him in the act"

The guard leans out the door and calls out. “Kingsley, can I talk to you for a minute? I need to confirm my memory isn’t failing me. I also have a few questions — for only you — about these new hires.” He looks disdainful at the last bit.

4:40 PM

"Coming!" Kingsley goes to him.

"Hm"

4:42 PM

"Yeah, I don't know, Kite. He doesn't really seem evil to me. If he is evil, we're gonna have a hard time proving it"

Kingsley enters the vault with the guard.

"Do you think we're missing school"

4:51 PM

"Should we care about that"

"Nah."

"Okay"

Not Shawn Duveldt

"Yeah, I don't know, Kite. He doesn't really seem evil to me. If he is evil, we're gonna have a hard time proving it"

"And who said anything about proof?"

"Well, yknow"

4:52 PM

"If we kill him, there's gonna be an investigation"

"Our identities are top secret!"

"..."

4:54 PM

"Still, it'd probably be good if we don't have anyone on our tail"

4:54 PM

"Besides, we're trying to do justice, not kill people. Batman doesnt kill people"

4:57 PM

"Yknow what the real crime here is? This deal"

4:57 PM

"We're heros of justice! We're meant to be out there, patrolling the streets, stopping bad guys, yknow!"

4:57 PM

"If we're stuck here all day..."

The guard exited the room with a gun to Kingsley's head and a large bag in his other hand.

(( @Not Shawn Duveldt)) (edited)

((sorry my page wasnt reloading))

5:23 PM

((also))

5:23 PM

((LMAO)) (edited)

5:24 PM

"a;ejfblwirufbgenlwitknelrkbfnc elrwiubgjn wlk.lemfdernofvklm," Shawn scrambles out of his resting state (edited)

5:24 PM

"Kite, get ready!"

"Told ya so! Intuition!" Kite.

Kite's intuition is overdrive!

5:27 PM

"Let him go!"

“Ready for what?” The guard laughs. “I’m ready to use my weapon, at least. Thought I’d show you bastards how unequipped you are for this job. So go ahead. What kind of heroes are you? A man’s life, or twice the price of his life in minerals?”

5:28 PM

"Very easily the minerals!" Kite.

"Wait, no, hang on"

5:29 PM

"Are you with Collective Unconciousness?"

“Ah, damn. A tie.” Guard.

This isnt like the hostage thing yesterday. That guy had everything to lose, but this guy has nothing to lose. Shawn cant rush him

“What the fuck are you talking about? Only guy I’ve ever ‘been with’ is Maoziwam, and look where that got me.” Guard.

((im shipping them))

5:34 PM

"So you arent with the group? Then why do you want whats in the vault?"

“Not in a weird way!” He panickedly clarifies.

((in a weird way actually))

5:37 PM

((How far is this guy from the exit door, and are we in between him and the exit))

((Between them and the exit))

Well, no matter what happens, I'm invincible. So there's no way hes getting past me

“Because I want money, moron. I’ll change my name, retire to some glamorous locale. Any legal problems can be wiped away with this, too. I’ll get what’s been cheated from me, and my old boss will get one hell of an annoyance in his [slur] ass. That one was to indicate he’s gay, but only him.” Guard.

"Cheated from you?!"

“I’m the backbone of this place, and they treat me and it like a joke. I don’t expect you to understand.” Guard.

5:47 PM

"You’re just a criminal! Me and my bro here are going to stop you!" Kite.

"That's no excuse for threatening the life of a police officer!"

Ehn/PC

"You’re just a criminal! Me and my bro here are going to stop you!" Kite.

“Don’t lump me in with the petty bottomfeeders of this city!” Guard.

"You think you're better then them? Because what?"

5:51 PM

"No matter how you spin it, you're still using other people's assets for your own gain! You're no better then those bottom-feeders yourself!"

"Yeah! What he said!" Kite.

“Tch. Who cares? Like, what does it actually matter if your biased overemotional reasoning ‘proves’ I’m a bad guy? Moral posturing won’t stop a bullet.” Guard.

Shawn starts walking towards the guard

5:56 PM

Slowly tho

The guard starts walking towards the exit as well. Kite is following Shawn but in an over dramatic way as if he were leading.

“Oh? You’re approaching me? Instead of backing off, you’re coming right towards me?” Guard.

a jojo fan... i knew he was gay

6:03 PM

"I can't Advent Guard you without getting any closer"

6:04 PM

Shawn slows down as he gets closer, but hes still moving. He's waiting for the guard to make a move

“Hmph. Then come as close as you like… if you’re ready to accept the consequences.” Guard.

6:09 PM

"Wait… This is a really bad idea." Kingsley.

6:11 PM

“It was an impulse decision, maybe. But I’m not content to live kneeling.” Guard.

What are they talking about?

6:13 PM

Shawn stops when hes a few feet away from the Guard

"Everyone knows who he is. Fighting him's not going to do anything except kill me. He’ll get caught either way." Kingsley.

Shawn isn't really sure what that means, or who "he" refers to, but he's standing strong

“Don’t personally agree, but it’d be more convenient if you two did.” Guard.

"You two?"

((How is this confusing you what))

((kingsly says something, then Guard responds to him, but is actually talking to us?))

6:20 PM

((also is Kingsly talking to us in the first line?))

((Guard has a gun to Kingsley’s head. The guard is "he"(he is a man). "You two" is you two(the 2 people in the room not already stating their take on Kingsley's claim))

1

Shawn is unsure what to do. if they let the guard go, he'll be found again shortly. That's what Kingsly says. But at the same time, this guard is pretty confident in his scheme. If Shawn does nothing, he might actually get away with it

6:23 PM

How do i get him into a position where hes trying to shoot me and not Kingsley?

6:25 PM

Shawn has an idea

Kite charged in with an anime cry.

"Oh fuck"

6:26 PM

"Kite, wait!"

6:28 PM

"Don't shoot!"

“Bluff called. You’re right. I won’t kill a cop. Just wanted to see if I could avoid dealing with two wimps without real jobs.” He throws Kingsley to the side hard and shoots at Kite. Kite falls over.

KITE NO

“Moron.” The guard takes the money and runs. (edited)

Shawn tackles him

6:33 PM

((10))

6:35 PM

((atmey dont do this to me this is so fucked up))

((Shawn letting Kite get shot due to his own overthinking and inaction is the exact same thing as me letting kite get shot because i refused to fucking do anything))

The guard gets away from Shawn.

6:52 PM

"Ow." Kite gets up dramatically.

((aw what the fuck))

6:53 PM

((was going to have an awesome moment where i beat him to death))

6:53 PM

Shawn rushes over to Kite

6:53 PM

"Kiteholyshitareyouokay"

6:55 PM

"where did it hit you? how are you still standing? howwhyaferbgletbhdlhj tblr vlersbgsitrbgk"

6:55 PM

Shawn is not doing well

"I’m all good! Guys like me got great luck!" Kite points to like a tiny scratch on the suit. The bullet just grazed him.

Huge sigh of relief

"What have I done…?" Kingsley sat against the wall and clutched his head.

Shawn is still adreneline high and looks at his surroindings. Kite is okay, Kingsley is... traumatized but okay. The

6:57 PM

"The guard! We have to chase him!'

6:58 PM

Shawn runs towards the exit

He’s gone.

"........................Fuck"

6:58 PM

Shawn collapses a bit (edited)

6:59 PM

"He's long gone by now"

7:00 PM

Shawn stumbles back over to Kite. He's exausted

7:00 PM

He sits down next to Kingsley

7:02 PM

That was a failure. On every level. The Advent Guard were brought here just so they could defend this place... and they couldnt. We couldn't I couldnt. Shawn is weak and insecure and indecisive and an idiot and an asshole and a failure. He couldn't save Kingsley, he couldn't save the money, and Kite... Kite nearly died there. Just pure luck

Kite is looking confident. "I knew we could trust my hunch."

Shawn looked up at Kite and laughed

7:04 PM

He stood up

"I'll call it in." Kingsley got up and exited the corridor.

"Kite..."

7:10 PM

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry"

7:10 PM

"God......."

7:10 PM

Shawn cant look Kite in the eye

"What's wrong, bro?"

"I"

7:14 PM

"It's my fault this happened. I didn't act on time. I didn't call his bluff. And because of that, he escaped. You nearly died"

7:17 PM

"He was bluffing, Kite. He would have shot whoever went first... and..."

7:17 PM

"If he shot me, my suit would have blocked it. But he didn't. because i was too scared"

"I didn't nearly die. What the hell are you talking about?"

"You got shot! It barely missed you!"

"And I'm fine, aren't I? I'm the hero, and you're my bro! I charge in, you follow! That's how it works! Don't go getting sad just 'cause it went a little poorly. Next time we see that asshole, we'll tear his head clean off, ya get me?"

Shawn sat in silence for a second

7:23 PM

He looked at Kite

7:24 PM

"Yeah. I'll be there with you."

they do this

"They found him." Kingsley entered. "He's been arrested."

Shawn turned

7:25 PM

"Already?"

7:25 PM

"So he was just totally bullshitting us the whole time..."

"He practically gave himself up, apparently."

7:25 PM

"...Huh." Kite.

"Thats... really weird"

"I can get you to the station if you want to talk to him. I probably owe that to you, I suppose." Kingsley.

"Did he have the stuff with him when he was arrested?"

7:27 PM

"Yeah, lets do that"

"He didn't have the bag, no." Kinsgley led them to the police station.

((is this a good time to break))

((Alright sure))

((

))

7:29 PM

((that was aweosme))

((Saturday))

4:15 AM

((so if quoting jojo is automatically gay this is shawn coming out right)) (edited)

((Basically))

((no way…))

She Shawn on my beetle till I duveldt

1:47 PM

WHAT

1:47 PM

What is he doing there

1:48 PM

Was the guardGRIZZ?

((That’s the icon yup))

((That’s crazy)) (edited)

1:51 PM

((I was going to beat Grizz Soniaquill to death))

"Lets go, then"

"Exactly, bro!" Kite followed Kingsley.

Shawn is leading Kite but in an under dramatic way as if he were following.

They arrived at the police station. "Uh, you may want to take the suspicious costumes off." Kingsley turned around. "No way!" Kite.

"Why?"

2:07 PM

"You got your cop unform, we got our outfits. It's our work clothes, yknow?"

"It’s different." Kingsley.

"how" (edited)

"Well, either way, I don't think it's a good idea to show our identitiys to the culprit. We don't want people coming after us"

He sighed. "Alright."

Shawn followed

Kingsley entered the precinct. "Alright, give me a second to go get him. Just wait here."

"Hey wait, one more question"

"…Yeah?"

"What's this guys name?"

"Mats Rumen."

"Okay, thanks"

2:28 PM

((would have died instantly if you said grizz soniaquill))

Kingsley walked away.

2:31 PM

"Here’s the plan, bro. We beat the location of the money out of him, and then uh…" Kite.

"It's not money! There's no way. Yknow, stable inflation rate, and shit."

2:33 PM

"But yea, we gotta figure out what he stole. and where he put it"

2:36 PM

"I'm going to be pissed if it's actually money"

Mats Rumen just casually walked out the door of the precinct, trying to avoid Shawn and Kite.

"Hey!"

3:45 PM

What's going on here? Are they just setting him free?

He ran away from Shawn.

3:48 PM

"Let’s get him, bro!" Kite ran after him.

"Wh- Fuck, okay"

3:49 PM

Shawn starts running after Kite running after him

Kite catches up to the guy, and immediately hits his leg with the crowbar, causing Mats to crash onto the ground in pain. "Got ‘im."

"Jesus Christ, man"

3:56 PM

That wasnt a statement out of total shock like it was in the convenience store or the vault. It was more of an expression of distaste

3:56 PM

Shawn knew to trust Kite's judgement

3:56 PM

Shawn grabbed Mats by the collar and pulled him into an alley

3:57 PM

He pushed him against a wall "What did you take?!" (edited)

"Nothing! I didn’t take anything!" Mats.

4:00 PM

"Pretty lame cover story. You want the other leg or no?" Kite.

Shawn looks over this guys face to verify its the same guy

It definitely is.

"We were there. We saw you take something. Or did you just happen to take an officer hostage for no real reason"

"I didn’t do anything!"

Shawn shoves him against the wall (edited)

4:07 PM

"(X amount of time) ago, a man entered Shuichi Maoziwam's vault, took a bag of... something, held an officer hostage, shot at my friend here, and then was arrested. Now, we found you here, and you start running away from us. Not just that, but this bag of whatever has gone missing. Does this sound familier?"

"Wasn’t me!"

"Don't fucking lie to me. What were you doing at the police station? Why'd they let you go?"

"I’m innocent." His face contorts into a smirk through the pain.

"Kite, hit his other leg"

"W-Wait, wait, wait!" Kite did not wait, causing Mats to let out an agonizing howl.

"Start talking"

"Mr. Maoziwam won’t let any of his employees get arrested! We get free passes to leave." He groans, incapable of feeling either one of his legs.

"Well, I hope Mr. Maoziwam has good health insurence, especially to folks who try to steal from him"

"Ghrk-" Mats. "I didn’t steal from him! I told you, I’m innocent!"

"Then what DID you do?"

"Nothing! I’ve done nothin-" Mats was interrupted by his arm being crushed by the crowbar. "Lying criminal! Have you got no shame!?" Kite.

((this is like the Penguin from Gotham))

4:22 PM

"What part of 'start talking' do you not understand?"

4:25 PM

This felt wrong. All sorts of wrong. As Shawn held the man up, he could see the ways his arm and legs dangled in a weird, unnatrual direction. He could see the blood staining his pants and his jacket. He could see the pain in this mans eye. This all felt... so awful But before Shawn could even finish that thought, he thought about what happened in the hallway. He thought about his indecisiveness. He thought about the Mats's bluff. He thought about how Kite was shot at, and how he nearly died. His squeamishness didn't dissapear from his head, but just for a second, he couldn't think about it. More then enough time

"Ghhhrghhgrh.... I am talking." He grunted. "I told you... Didn't do nothing..."

"Then answer our questions! We saw you at the vault! We saw you leave the station! What were you doing!"

"I told you-" "You criminals are all the same! In less than 5 minutes you're gonna plead guilty to everything, admit you did it, and go spend your life in prison where you belong. Question is... Are you gonna do it with 1 arm, or no limbs at all? Better pick quickly, me and my bro are getting impatient." Kite.

"I told you" Shawn said in an immitating voice before switching back "You haven't told us jack shit. Is "i didnt do nothing" the only shit you can say?"

"...It's the only thing I know for sure. I'm innocent. I'm a good, honest man. I'm no fuckin' criminal!" Mats. Kite threatened to swing the crowbar.

"Kite, hold on. Any more and he'll pass out"

"I know, but-!" Kite sighed. "...Fuck you. What the hell am I doing? I'm gonna die to incompetent teenagers...?" Mats laughed deliriously.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Fuck no! I've got no idea what the hell you want me to give you! I don't know shit!" Mats.

"Then where the fuck were you (x amount of time) ago!?"

"That was my body- Just... I didn't do it!"

Shawn loosened his grip

4:41 PM

"Your body? What do you mean?" (edited)

"What do you want me to say?"

“You were possessed?”

"Y-Yeah! Like that!"

Shawn tries to figure out if he’s lying

How

well like by his voice patterns and mannarisms but mainly just dice rolling

Mannerisms: He doesn’t have any

ok whatever

5:44 PM

Him being possessed would make sense, that's the same thing that happened to the previous guy who tried to rob that place... But at the same time, he didn't really act all that strange. Not too different then how he normally acts. And he explicitly denied being with Collective Unconsciousness, along with saying that he was doing this for the money. Was he lying?

5:45 PM

If he was possessed, he wouldn't know what stuff was taken. And if he wasn't possessed... then he's willing to die claiming he was. (edited)

5:46 PM

What am I supposed to do here?

5:46 PM

"Just... Tell us what you know. And we'll call an ambulance"

"W-Wait, bro… We can’t call an ambulance." Kite.

"If we call it and bail, we should be fine"

"We’re pretty memorable people. We can’t get in trouble with the police! Heroes of justice don’t get in trouble with the police!"

"So what do you want us to do? Beat him to death?"

"Well… He said it earlier, right? He’s got immunities. He’s not immune to us. How else do you deal with criminals who can’t be arrested?"

Shawn dropped him onto the ground in a slump

5:52 PM

He stood straight before looking at Kite

5:52 PM

He looked away again "We're heros, right? We're not killers...""

"It’s killing criminals! Completely different!"

"Still... If he's telling the truth, and he was possessed..."

"…He’s trying to manipulate you." Mats.

"Shut up!"

"Yeah! Shut up! Criminal! We’re trying to debate killing you in peace!" Kite. "You can’t kill me…" Painful laugh. "That’s why you’re trying to pass it onto your 'bro'. ‘Cause you’re a coward!"

"I-"

6:01 PM

Why does this hurt so much?

6:03 PM

Best case scenario, this man was a crook planning on stealing from Maoziwam. Worst case scenario, he's consistently been a complete and total ass. No one would miss him, Shawn was sure of it. And overthinking things had already made shawn nearly lose everything. Kite hadn't been wrong so far So why does the thought of... getting rid of this man hurt so much?

6:04 PM

There's no new information to be gained here. All thats left is just... the moment

6:05 PM

Shawn looked at his hand. Green, like the bug costume he was wearing

"He’s lying!" Kite gets very defensive, taking Shawn's reaction as trusting Mats. "I can handle him just fine! I’m a hero of justice! I’m not afraid of doing anything for the sake of justice! D-Don’t underestimate me!" Kite raised the crowbar above Mats's head.

"Kite... Hes trying to get in our heads. Don't listen"

6:08 PM

Shawn was wearing his costume. The cheap-looking bug halloween costume. The one that rendered him immune to all damage. If bullets couldn't hurt him... why should this?

6:08 PM

He's invincible

6:10 PM

"Let's get rid of him"

"That’s what I’m saying, bro! I’ll do it! D-Don’t doubt a hero of justice like me!" Kite. "…You can’t. You can’t do anything. Least of all, take a life. What crime did you stop today…? None. You’ve caught no criminals, stopped no threats, but you have to the ego to go do your own crimes." Mats is painfully bleeding out.

Shawn walked over to the man and grabbed him by the shoulders. "Kite, pick up his legs"

6:15 PM

There should be a dumpster nearby

"A-Are you doubting me bro? I’ll kill him! I can do it!"

"Kite, we already killed him"

6:17 PM

"He's going to bleed out in a few minutes."

"Just get it over with… Kill me…" Mats.

...

6:23 PM

Me or Kite? Who's going to do it?

6:23 PM

I

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!" Kite swings the crowbar down.

That answers that

It stops just short of Mats face, and Kite embarrassedly looks away. "Killing him is- It’s what he wants. And heroes of justice don’t give criminals what they want. So… So that’s that."

((between Kite and Shawn, which one is Jesse and which one is Walt))

6:26 PM

Shawn stood up

6:26 PM

"Then what the fuck are we going to do with him, Kite?"

"Oh? Hm… Well… I guess we can call an ambulance or something." Kite proposes his completely original idea as he begins pacing in circles.

Things are never simple

6:35 PM

God

6:36 PM

"We need to get rid of him now, Kite."

"W-Well, you do it! I did most of the work!" Kite.

"Give me the crowbar, then"

"No way! This is my crowbar!"

Things are never simple

6:46 PM

"Whats wrong, Kite. You were fine with what happened with that man in the convenience store. What's different here"

6:46 PM

Shawn kicked the body

6:46 PM

"It's just a criminal"

"Yeah, but it’s murder here! Not that that would change anything, it’s just… He wants us to kill him. And I don’t respect criminal’s wishes. Simple as that."

Shawn can't care anymore

6:58 PM

"If you want to really disrespect a criminals wishes, then split this fucking bastards jaw open"

6:59 PM

There's no pain. There's no damage. It all bounces off

"I told you, I’m not doing it! You kill him! You’re my bro, aren’t you? Pull some weight, here!"

Shawn picked up the man again

7:07 PM

"I'm indecisive to a fault, Kite. That's my big issue. I don't know what to do with him. Do we give him what he deserves? Bash him in the head and shove him in a dumpster? Or do we call the ambulances... and make things so much more complicated" (edited)

"I’m the most decision-taking person ever, personally. I say you bash him."

"I'm not the one with the crowbar"

"Bash his head into the dumpster! Easy!"

We're at an impass

7:23 PM

Kite's the coolest guy ever, right? But even he's too scared to actually kill anyone. Shawn's always scared of whats happening. Killing someone is nearly the top of that list

7:24 PM

The criminal is right. They haven't done any good so far. All theyve done is run around waving their fancy suits and crowbars at people. They needed to step up

7:25 PM

"Of course! Think about it, this is basically our first supervillain!"

7:30 PM

The third law of Newtonian physics says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. What he meant was that whenever a force is applied, any kind of force, there is going to be a force that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the source of the force. Basically, if you crash your car into a tree, there's going to be an equal amount of force on the car as there is on the tree. Same goes for punching people. Whenever you hit someone, you have to worry about the pressure you're going to put on yourself. A boxer might injure his opponent badly, but unless he's wearing gloves, he's going to damage his hands as well. However, in this current situation, there was something else added to the mix. These magic outfits, however they worked, seemed to defy the laws of physics. Kite's crowbar could cut through anything with ease. Shawn's suit could withstand the force of a hail of bullets. If all follows, then

7:31 PM

Shawn punches the man in the face with all the force he can muster

7:31 PM

*criminal

((Roll))

((can i use this)) (edited)

((Sure))

((epic shawn w))

Shawn punches him really hard in the face.

Is he still breathing

Mats Rumen is dead. He was probably dead before the punch too.

RIP

"Well... Guess that's over with now."

okay I need to take a break

7:44 PM

Might to more later

((Sorry for ruining your life)) (edited)

7:47 PM

((I will say it's now midnight so I can end the chapter here and act like this was a success)) (edited)

Oh okay

7:47 PM

Wtf I thought this started at 2 for you

7:48 PM

Oh wait like

7:48 PM

In the AG world

Yeah

That ruled (edited)

((When are we gonna get a Mats emote))

((SHAWN DIDNT KILL GRIZZ SONIAQULL))

((Fucking. Fine. Here is Mats Rumen))

((i thought he was like a gross old man))

9:37 PM

((this is pretty awesome too))

((No he wasn't THAT old))

9:37 PM

He's like early 20s

((damn))

9:38 PM

((Shawn 1: Shawn struggles with the monotony of daily life and meets a new friend)) ((Shawn 2: Shawn is introduced to a new world of possibility and a chance to live meaningfully)) ((Shawn 3: Shawn tries to solve the mystery while struggling with the ethics of his chosen line of work)) ((Shawn 4: Shawn suffers brutalizing blows to his ego that push him to the point of actually killing someone))

((Where will he go next...))

((I actually have no fucking idea))

((I hope I can continue to impress then #wholesome))

10:00 PM

((This was not even one of the dedicated Shawn character moments. I just saw how the confrontation went and said "fuck it. We ball" or however the saying goes))

((It was awesome tho))

10:34 PM

((Gotta love Shawn Duveldt))

10:41 PM

((also add the picrew emote!))

Shawn Duveldt picrew updates

this happens

Don’tATM

Jump

Go to message!

((Saturday))

12:43 PM

((You should make Mats Rumen a mukuoup))

((Mats Rumen feature role in the next Q&Ampaign)) (edited)

((the sad thing about my tier list is i cant move kite up because hes the best one since the start but the gap between him and everyone else keeps widening))

((Simply add an S+ tier))

((Yeah but still))

1:43 PM

((Then I’d have to add an s++ tier later and it would devalue everyone else))

Ehn/PC pinned a message to this channel. 9/2/2022 6:07 PM

Shawn is Duveldting out (edited)

"Well... Guess that's over with now."

((Sorry am here))

2:13 PM

Shawn puts his hands to his sides. He doesn't say anything

"We should probably get out of here, bro." Kite moved away from the corpse.

Shawn didn't hear Kite. He was too busy staring at the body. At the strange, contorted limbs, that jaggedly poked out of his clothes in an unnatrual way. At his clothes, pressing against his body, weighed down by the volume of blood absorbed into its fabric. His mouth a strange, incomprensible expression. Did he die happy, Shawn wondered. Content? That he had been correct? Shawn didn't know. Shawn couldn't look away

2:22 PM

Shawns mask weighed heavily on his face

2:22 PM

He could feel every vibration in his body

"Bro! Come on!"

Shawn still didn't move. His skin was cold. He could feel his costume against his skin.

"What’s wrong with you!?"

Shawn turned his head and looked at Kite. He kinda stumbled over to him

2:32 PM

He could feel the cold air through the tiny eye holes in his mask (edited)

"There you are, bro! Took you long enough." Kite sighed in relief.

"Kite..."

"Let’s get out of here, bro!" Kite pulled on Shawn's arm and tried to drag him away.

Shawn kinda stumbles with Kite, but follows him very closely

2:37 PM

The street lights are blinding

Kite dragged Shawn into an empty alleyway and threw off his costume.

Shawn followed suit, but he was a bit slower then Kite

2:40 PM

"We gotta... We need to leave..."

"Yeah! I’ll- I’ll see you tomorrow, bro…" Kite almost gave a thumbs up but just turned and ran.

((fucking asshole lmfao))

2:41 PM

((you gotta love this guy))

2:41 PM

"Kite... Wait..."

2:41 PM

"Oh god"

2:42 PM

Shawn is alone. Somewhere in this city. There's a dead man a few blocks away. His blood is still on Shawn's suit. His crooked face is still in Shawn's memory. It's not leaving anytime soon

2:43 PM

Shawn collapsed on the ground, and curled against the wall in an upright fetal position

2:44 PM

oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god

2:44 PM

But I'm still alive. That's all that counts

2:44 PM

That's all...

2:45 PM

After a few minutes, Shawn got up. Everything would be okay if he could just reach his house. Just... get home.

2:46 PM

Shawn walked home. After a few minutes, he started running

Shawn arrived home.

Shawn barged through the door, stumbled up the stairs, found the upstairs bathroom, and immidietly threw up into the toilet (he also flushed the toilet there isnt just barf in the toilet left) (edited)

2:51 PM

What time is it?

It’s past midnight. (edited)

Shawn stumbled towards his room. He shoved his backpack into his closet, and collapsed onto his bed

2:53 PM

He fell asleep

((Me and my bro murdering a man)) (edited)

*criminal

((Session tommorow? Or nah?))

((i cant reply to any of Ashley's tweets because. Shawn is not thinking about Twitter right now))

((Saturday))

Shawn is standing in the middle of a long corridor.

Shawn dashes down the corridor, knife in tow. The treasure should be around here

A new creature suddenly jumps onto Shawn, triggering a fight.

Shawn jumps back, redying his knife and gun. En garde!

The creature strikes Shawn. It's a dull attack. Shawn is clearly too powerful for this creature.

Ha!

2:13 PM

Shawn lunges forward, striking the creature in the chest with his knife

Critical hit! The creature is severely damaged. It calls for help.

2:16 PM

Another creature appears.

Shawn pulls out his gun, and fires it at the severely damaged creatrue to finish it off. He also shoots the new one a few times, for some chip damage

The first creature died. The bullets bounced off the second creature like nothing happened.

2:24 PM

The second creature struck Shawn with little effort, and it felt as if his leg was collapsing into itself.

Shawn stumbles back against the wall

2:24 PM

(theres a wall)

2:25 PM

"Fuck. fuck"

The creature approached him.

Shawn looked up at him

2:37 PM

What is this

The creature is some kind of humanoid, with all of it's limbs hanging loosely like useless spaghetti. It's body was distinctly human, but warped into painful agonizing proportions.

Nonononononononononono

2:40 PM

Why is this here why is he here no

2:40 PM

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck

2:40 PM

Shawn tried to move forward. He's paralyzed by fear

A crowbar fell at Shawn's feet.

Shawn reached out to the wall, barely able to stand. His eyes constantly darted between the crowbar and the shadowy man

The creature attacked him again, caving in his only working leg.

This isnt how things are supposed to go. This isnt right. This isnt

2:49 PM

Shawn stared the man in the eyes

Mats Rumen stared back at him.

FUck

2:59 PM

fuck

2:59 PM

Shit

2:59 PM

fuck

2:59 PM

god

3:00 PM

a

3:01 PM

01010000 01100101 01110010 01110011 01101111 01101110 01100001 00100000 00110101 01011011 01100001 01011101 00100000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01100001 00100000 00110010 00110000 00110001 00110110 00100000 01110010 01101111 01101100 01100101 00101101 01110000 01101100 01100001 01111001 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01110110 01101001 01100100 01100101 01101111 00100000 01100111 01100001 01101101 01100101 00100000 01100100 01100101 01110110 01100101 01101100 01101111 01110000 01100101 01100100 00100000 01100010 01111001 00100000 01000001 01110100 01101100 01110101 01110011 00101110 00100000 01001001 01110100 00100000 01110100 01100001 01101011 01100101 01110011 00100000 01110000 01101100 01100001 01100011 01100101 00100000 01101001 01101110 00100000 01101101 01101111 01100100 01100101 01110010 01101110 00101101 01100100 01100001 01111001 00100000 01010100 01101111 01101011 01111001 01101111 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01100110 01101111 01101100 01101100 01101111 01110111 01110011 00100000 01100001 00100000 01101000 01101001 01100111 01101000 00100000 01110011 01100011 01101000 01101111 01101111 01101100 00100000 01110011 01110100 01110101 01100100 01100101 01101110 01110100 00100000 01101011 01101110 01101111 01110111 01101110 00100000 01100010 01111001 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01110000 01110011 01100101 01110101 01100100 01101111 01101110 01111001 01101101 00100000

It raised it's arm for another attack.

fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck

3:05 PM

Shawn tried to do anything. Any part of his body. Literally whatever he could do

3:06 PM

Could he

His arms are functional, and can reach the crowbar.

Shawn reached for it, collapsing onto the ground with his weak legs. He can’t feel them anymore

Mats Rumen stared at his pathetic efforts.

Fuck you you stupid fucking asshole. I hate your fucking guys you massive fucking bitch

3:31 PM

I can kill him. Snap of my fingers and he’s dead. Simple as that

Mats Rumen continues to be there.

Shawn attempts to stand up

3:44 PM

holding the crowbar

3:44 PM

He stares Mats Rumen in the eyes , then violently slams him in the shoulder with the crowbar

Mats Rumen collapses into a corpse.

Shawn collapses next to him

Another creature appeared. And then another. And then a dozen more. More and more appeared, approaching Shawn.

Shawn rasies himself up by his arms

All identical, future victims of Shawn.

Shawn goes against the wall again. He needs to get out. He cant be here. He's not this

3:53 PM

He's not!

They crawled closer and closer to him.

3:56 PM

The next moment, they were upon him.

3:57 PM

Shawn awoke in a panic in his bed.

Shawn's eyes are wide. He's breathing heavily

3:58 PM

Just a dream. Just a...

3:58 PM

Shawn is still wearing his clothes from yesterday. He must have been too tired to change.

3:59 PM

He gets out of bed, and changes into a new set of clothes. He consideres throwing his old clothes in the laundry. He puts them in the garbage can instead

4:00 PM

Shawn checks his phone. What day is it. and what time

It’s morning on Friday.

((out of touch thursday but its a montage of mats's corpse))

4:13 PM

Shawn heads downstairs and tries not to think about anything

4:13 PM

He makes himself breakfast and thinks about the guy from the funny tv show who talks about breakfast a lot. Then he thinks about how he's distracting himself. He drops an egg on the ground

4:13 PM

"God fucking damn it"

4:14 PM

Shawn tries to clean it up. He's frustrated, though, so he does it really fast and agressivly and ends up leaving some stain on the floor.

4:15 PM

Shawn makes himself some eggs fried sunny side middle. He eats them, packs his bag and stares at his phone. He scrolls through reddit at like 5x speed

People are posting a meme Shuichi Maoziwam posted last night. I don’t think anything else is notable about Reddit today.

What is the Shuichi Maoziwam meme

Check twitter.

thats weird

4:33 PM

Shawn waits for the School Bus. He tries to avoid his parents

The school bus arrives.

Shawn enters the School Buss

The Girl who’s usually on the bus with him is not there. I can’t remember if I told you her name but she’s NOT here.

shes Sophie rightt?

5:02 PM

or is this a different girl

It’s Sophie yes.

Hm. wonder where she is

5:07 PM

Oh god, did they try to kidnap her again?

5:07 PM

Fuck fuck fuck

5:07 PM

I'll... I'll talk with Kite about it. He'll make things okay

The bus arrived at school.

Shawn looks for Kite

((Roll))

((17))

Kite is around the back of the school. He seems to be punching air like an anime fight.

"Hey, Kite."

He doesn’t respond.

"Kite?"

"Oh, uh… Hey bro!" He flashed a thumbs up. "Did you like my cool moves? Don’t they show how strong and brave I am?"

"Yeah bro. You're going all out"

5:39 PM

Shawn sits down somewhere, like a bench or if theres nothing nearby, the floor

Kite followed him to the bench. "If anyone asks you about yesterday… I stopped that bad guy, alright? Don’t want people getting the wrong impression, you know."

"Yeah... I'll be sure to.."

5:51 PM

"He said something that really stuck with me"

5:52 PM

"Kite, we're heros, right?"

"Yeah, of course! The greatest heroes the world has ever seen! Gandhi'd probably give us a standing ovation. Well, assuming he wasn’t dead obviously." He smirked. "That guy was a criminal, he’s just trying to get in your head. You just gotta forget all about him, and move on. Plenty of fish in the sea, and a lot of those fish don’t pay taxes."

"Yeah, yeah. You're right"

"as always shawnduveldt

"

"But next time... We gotta save someone. We... We can't let him be right"

"Yeah, obviously. We’ll show him."

"We should get to class..."

"Right, yeah. Let’s go, bro!" He got up.

Shawn headed to class

Lelouch, Jade, and Maria aren’t here today.

"Lelouch, Jade, and Maria aren’t here today. That's weird"

6:15 PM

"You dont think they got kidnapped do you? Sophie wasn't here either"

"Oh, uh… Sophie's in the hospital."

"What? What happened?"

"She got shot apparently. Heard a rumour it was some kid named Sam Kidink who did it. Probably a delinquent." Kite leaned back in his chair. "He’s missing so I dunno where he is."

6:26 PM

"By the way, it’s totally not creepy that I know this. It’s really normal." Kite added.

"What?"

6:27 PM

"Sam Kidink shot her??"

6:27 PM

"also how do you know this what"

6:28 PM

There's no way that's right... Sam Kidink? The guy from yesterday?

6:28 PM

He seemed so reasonable though... This has to be a misunderstanding

"I told you. Really normal circumstances!"

"Well when you say it like that, it sounds like its not normal circumstances"

"How?"

Shawn kinda leans back a bit

6:35 PM

"Cmon man. If you know something, you gotta tell me. Besides, we gotta figure out why Sam Kidink shot her, right?"

https://twitter.com/_claypot/status/1563663515734671360?s=20&t=lJqCCXEt8bS4OCQlKHTejg

clay (@_claypot)

1954.

Likes

1706

Retweets

431

Ehn/PC pinned a message to this channel. 9/17/2022 6:47 PM

((This happens in homestuck))

Not Shawn Duveldt

"Cmon man. If you know something, you gotta tell me. Besides, we gotta figure out why Sam Kidink shot her, right?"

"I did tell you!"

"Ok well. We're gonna investigate this. and bring whoever shot Sophie to justice. So if theres any more info you have on it, you should tell me"

"Lelouch is definitely involved."

"Ok well I kinda figured that"

6:54 PM

Shawn pulls out his phone and texts Sam and Lelouch "Hey, where are you guys?"

No response from Sam.

"Damn"

7:15 PM

Shawn is lessoning

No response from Lelouch either(I love fast responses).

Thanks lelouch

The lesson happens but I don’t have Wikipedia open right now pretend it was really funny.

"These lessons get more and more abstract every time" Shawn to Kite

"Do they? I didn’t listen." Kite.

"Todays was like"

7:23 PM

"uh"

7:24 PM

"Whats the thing"

7:24 PM

"Yeah okay. Like a negative space lesson"

7:24 PM

"Like he implied the lesson was there but didnt actually give anything"

7:26 PM

"Do you get what im saying"

"No? What?" Kite.

7:29 PM

The class ends.

I’m back

8:53 PM

Shawn exits with Kite

"Alright, bro. Now let's get our costumes."

“Yeah…”

8:56 PM

“Who are we going after? Sam? Sentasaurus?”

"Uhh... Hm. I say Lelouch. We haven't done battle in a while."

"I dont think we've ever done battle with her"

8:59 PM

"Do you know where she is now? If Sophie was shot..."

"Then we clearly gotta step it up!" Kite ran to the alley.

"Haha, okay!" Shawn dashed after him.

Kite got dressed in costume quickly.

Shawn got dressed in costume not-as-quickly

"Heya!" Ehn appeared.

"Woah!"

"Hey Ehn" Kite. "How's it going?" Ehn.

"Hey, Ehn. Things have been... uh..."

9:46 PM

...

9:46 PM

...

9:46 PM

"Not great"

9:46 PM

"How have you been? Still translucent or whatever?"

"Yup!" Ehn. "We've got a name and everything now. We're full time heroes!" Kite bragged.

"Yeah..."

9:51 PM

"Say... Ehn? You wouldnt happen to have given anyone some kind of like..."

9:51 PM

"Remote mind control power?"

"Nah. That sounds like a crazy power."

"Well... Is there like... a different power-giving person?"

"Nope!"

"hm"

10:01 PM

"Have you ever heard of Collective Unconsciousness?"

"Nope!"

"Well... do you know where ??? is?"

"How did you pronounce that?" Ehn.

"kyukyukyu"

((Saturday))

Shawn Kite and Ashley

"Huh." Ehn.

((going to be kinda in-and-out for the first hour sorry))

2:05 PM

"Uhhh... the guy in the suit? with all the bandages?? Last time we saw him, he left with you"

"You mean Jay?"

"Yeah, him"

"Oh, I haven't seen him in a while. He's still alive. Anyway, what's up with you guys? Stop any cool bad guys recently?" Ehn.

"We've stopped a few." Kite brags by lying.

"Y-yeah..."

"We've got so many enemies, we're like living in a carnival of awesome heroism. Isn't that right, bro?" He lifts his hand up for a highfive.

Shawn isnt going to let his bro down, he high fives him back. It's pretty weak, though

"Hell yeah, bro!" Kite.

2:36 PM

"...You two." This girl enters the alley.

((jumpscare!))

2:42 PM

"Ah!'

2:42 PM

Shawn recognizes her right? Or no

He does yes. She was the girl who shot him a lot in chapter 2.

"You're that girl who shot me a lot 2 days ago!"

2:46 PM

((this is my fav gag))

"I believe we're on 3 days at this point. But otherwise, yeah." The Girl. "Let's get her, bro!" Kite readied his crowbar.

"Hang on Kite. We don't want a... a repeat of last time"

"Relax. I'm not here to fight you." She took out her gun and dropped it on the ground. "We're on the same side, after all. At least when it comes to Ray Elliott."

"Ray Elliot?"

3:09 PM

"Who is that?"

3:10 PM

Shawn shook his head for a second and then looked up

3:10 PM

"Who are you? Who do you work for? Why did you kidnap those two girls and the bandaged guy?"

"The one you call Kite. His name is Ray Elliott. And as for who I work for, I intend to get to that." "I mean... It's really easier to just say Kite." Kite.

((SORRY i didnt see this))

3:27 PM

"Ok. Talk. Who are you?"

3:27 PM

"How do you know Kite?"

"Are you familiar with the New Edlightenment? Well, I know he's at least familiar with the original." The Girl. "The... New?" Kite.

"Theres a new one?"

3:40 PM

"Is that who you're working for?"

"Yes. That's what the white suits represent. It's symbolic or something, at least that's what I hear. 9 years ago, many of us lost our parents. We were left with nothing but hatred for the original Edlightenment. Much like your friend there, I'd wager." She turned to Kite. "I was not particularly close to them back then, but the Elliotts were kind people."

3:47 PM

Kite just stared at her. "You... You mean...?" "You are not alone." The Girl.

"So if you all hate the edlightenment so much... why'd you make a new one?"

"Quite simply, we were wrong. The police fooled us all, promising that Edward Blythe had killed all of our parents. That he'd been a greedy conman, devoted to robbing them of all of their money and murdering them. They did their best to tear us down, and bury Edlightenment. They are the true scum of this story. They lied about it all." She took out a file and held it out for Shawn and Kite. "...I'm not buying it!" Kite backed away. "You tried to kill us!"

…

3:58 PM

“Why did you kidnap Lelouch Maoziwam?”

3:58 PM

Shawn doesn’t move towards the file

"Sometimes the law is not enough to punish criminals. Sometimes the law does nothing but help criminals. You two agree, don't you?"

… Lelouch isn’t a criminal, right? I mean she’s a bit odd here and there… but for the most part she’s just a normal girl. But at the same time, she’s the daughter of Shuichi Maoziwam… and Kite seems to implicitly hate her…

4:07 PM

“What’s in the file?”

"It's the proof Edward Blythe was innocent, as well as the proof of who the real killer was. The detective who hid all this is also in there. It's a very useful file." The girl. Kite quickly moved towards her and grabbed the file, skimming it.

((I didn’t even catch that he’s named Blythe))

4:11 PM

Shawn tries to read it over his shoulder

The first thing of note is that the file names the detective in charge as Gus Amon. There's an image of him attached. The second thing of note is that the file contains several pieces of evidence that clearly point to the guilt of Carolyn Blythe. Not just general guilt, she very clearly murdered all of those people. All of the evidence that points to her is just an image of the actual evidence, but the pieces themselves(the ones in the images) are labelled Do Not Use In Trial. There's also an image of her attached. The third thing of note is an image of Carolyn tearing up the original pieces of evidence and flushing them down a toilet. Another image in this section is of Carolyn with Gus Amon, collaborating on an unknown effort. The final thing of note is several cases of murder throughout the years between 9 years ago and today, all of which are cold cases. These have no conclusive evidence, but are suggesting Carolyn is responsible. The most recent case, one consisting of a victim named Michelle, has an image taken of Carolyn breaking into the house.

((You can’t just name a character Gus Amon))

((Yes I fucking can))

4:22 PM

((I'm unstoppable))

4:24 PM

"Wh- What?" Kite.

"So..."

4:25 PM

"Carolyn Blythe. Is she the daughter of Edward Blythe?"

4:26 PM

"If that's the case... why was she working with the police to frame her father?"

4:27 PM

((carolyn being a Crazy Murderer is so fucking cool. White Woman Spotted (but now she will kill you for doing this)))

"To avoid jailtime for her crimes."

"Why would the police help her?"

4:32 PM

"I mean, cops suck usually, we know that first hand. But protecting a murderer?"

"They hated Edlightenment that much. That's all. Their goal was to do everything in their power to shut us down. ...And our parents paid for it. That's the kind of person Carolyn Blythe is." The Girl.

4:35 PM

"..." Kite gripped his crowbar tightly. "Where is she?" "Hm?" The Girl. "Carolyn Blythe! Where is she!?" Kite.

"I don't know anything about the Edlightment, or what sort of stuff it preaches, but..."

4:36 PM

"If theres someone out there who can murder people... A criminal who's unable to come to justice under the constraints of the law"

4:37 PM

"That's what we're here for. To stop that"

"Damn right, bro!" Kite. "So where is she?" "She's in her apartment with Detective Amon." The Girl. "Uh... Come on guys, you don't actually buy all this, right?" Ehn.

"I mean..."

4:38 PM

"Youve seen these photos, right?"

"Huh? Of course we do!" Kite. "Who are you talking to?" The girl. "Well yeah, but... You're probably being manipulated, right? She's just making you kill 2 people for her." Ehn. "Feels pretty sus to me at least." "Yeah, well you're a dog." Kite. "I'm not!" Ehn.

"He's got you there, Ehn"

4:42 PM

Oh, she can't see him. I think something similar happened when I first met Ehn. She should still be able to hear him tho

"Besides! I wanna believe! I wanna believe that my parents weren't wrong! Didn't you hear? I'm not alone! So I'm gonna avenge everyone like a real hero of justice, and go help the rest of these guys! You with me, bro?" Kite.

4:45 PM

"Ehn, you gave us these gifts to do justice, right? Is this not what justice is?"

"Oh, well... It's not like you can kill anyone, right? So this is just pointless." Ehn. "Are you calling me weak!? I can absolutely kill anyone I want! Just yesterday, I-" He paused. "Uh, well I was really awesome yesterday!"

yesterday

4:48 PM

that

4:48 PM

i

4:48 PM

Shawn's breathing slowed for a second

4:48 PM

It's okay. It's in the past

"Look what you did to my bro! Now I'm gonna kill these guys twice as hard to make up for it! That's math!" Kite. "Shit." Ehn ran.

((can you send me the Bye Bitch rosalina image))

((I do not have that))

((fuck))

4:51 PM

((okay you know what it looks like. Imagine I posted that))

"Hey! Get back here!" Kite didn't pursue Ehn though. "Are you okay, bro?" The Girl is very confused.

"I'm all good."

4:52 PM

Shawn let his guard down, and his image cracked. He can't let that happen again

4:53 PM

"Ehn is right, on some level. How do we know we can trust you? We don't even really know who you are" (edited)

4:54 PM

"Last time we met, you shot me. Also you kidnapped Lelouch and Jade and i'm still not really sure how theyre related" (edited)

"Who is Jade?" The Girl.

"I'm pretty sure that was the other girl."

4:55 PM

"Whatever. The other person. What do they have to do with this?"

"Like I said, criminals." The Girl. "Come on, bro! Ehn's probably gonna do something to stop us! We gotta hurry!"

"What is Ehn going to do to stop us? Ehn is a dog."

"Maybe she'll warn them, I dunno! She's a dumb dog!"

"Who is them??? Okay whatever. How do we contact you?" Shawn says to the girl as he starts getting his stuff together

Kite groaned. "What's the address!?" The girl said the address.

"Uhhh"

4:59 PM

"Okay I guess"

4:59 PM

"We'll meet again tommorow?"

5:00 PM

"Or whenever. Sometime soon"

Kite just ran off towards the address. "Sure." The Girl.

"I thought we were"

5:01 PM

"Chasing Ehn"

5:01 PM

"What the hell is going on" Shawn says quietly, chasing after Kite

They arrived at an apartment building, and Kite ran inside.

Shawn followed

5:04 PM

"Kite, is this Blythe's house?"

5:06 PM

"We cant rush these things, man! Last time, it didnt"

5:07 PM

No, no. Not important right now. Don't think about it

Kite ran up the stairs. ((End session))

((“Wow this is a really interesting setup, tracking down Carolyn Blythe and confronting her is going to be so cool wait Kite what we’re doing this now hang on slow down what”))

((Kite is famously great at taking things slow))

((Exitied for Shawn to have his third ever dynamic with a pc))

Ehn/PC pinned a message to this channel. 9/24/2022 7:26 PM

I wonder if Carolyn’s big session is at all related to my Carolyn related session

8:54 PM

Her days are numbered

Does Mats Rumen (The Horror) count as a seperate character

((No. Why would he))

((i will make him one))

((Saturday))

((i found it))

Kite runs up the stairs screaming "CAROOOOLYYYYYNNNNN!"

Shawn rushes after him

2:02 PM

Shitshitshit

They arrived on the right floor. Carolyn’s door is open. Kite charges in, still boldly yelling.

is Carolyn there?

2:12 PM

Shawn kinda peeks tthrought the door

There’s a man on the floor, a large section of his head blown open. But there’s enough left to identify the body as Gus Amon. Ehn sits next to the body, smiling. No one else is in the apartment.

2:16 PM

"..."

2:17 PM

"Shit..." (edited)

2:17 PM

Another body...

2:18 PM

Shawn did his best to not focus on the body. The guy deserved it. He had it coming. Someone was going to do him in eventually.

2:18 PM

He looked at Kite

Kite stared at the body for a moment, before storming around the apartment looking for Carolyn. "Where is she!?" Ehn's malicious smile dissipated into sadness. "She’s gone. I was just avoiding more death."

"Did... did she kill him?"

2:24 PM

"Or was that you, Ehn"

2:24 PM

"Also, howd you get here"

"I ran." Ehn. "To betray us!" Kite. "Well, let’s not get technical." Ehn.

"Hey, cmon. We're all on the same side here, right?"

2:34 PM

"Someone died here. We should investigate"

"She did it!" Kite pointed at the ghost dog. "That’s literally impossible." Ehn.

"Calm down, Kite"

2:36 PM

"I don't think Ehn can even hold a gun"

2:36 PM

"Besides, there's only one person who could have done this. Blythe herself"

2:36 PM

"The question is: why?"

2:38 PM

There's a chance that if we stay here long enough, we might get caught by the cops. So... let's make this quick

"And she warned her!" Kite tries to kick Ehn, but his foot just goes through.

"Kite, calm down. Ehn is like translucent, remember"

2:43 PM

Shawn puts his hands on Kites shoulders

2:45 PM

"Ehn, are you working with Carolyn?"

"I just gave her a warning." Ehn. "And that warning let her get away! This is all your fault!" Kite. "Whoops!" Despite her sad expression, she doesn't sound like this affects her too deeply.

"But... why?"

2:53 PM

"She's not another one of your super-power-chosen folks is she?"

"Of course not." Ehn. "Liar!" Kite. "He's really getting way too heated about this. He should really step outside." Ehn couldn't hide the trace of smugness. "AAAAAGH!" Kite swung the crowbar at Ehn, only serving to break the floor under her.

"Kite!!!!!"

3:02 PM

"It's okay, man. Everythings gonna be fine"

3:02 PM

"Why are you here, Ehn? What do you want?"

Ehn leapt up onto a shelf. "Don't I want the same thing you do?" Kite swung the crowbar, demolishing the shelf and wall. Ehn moved onto another spot. "Sheesh, this guy's quicker to violence than a cop." Kite continued to destroy the room.

"Kite, please! You're destroying the crime scene!"

3:12 PM

"We're not going to be able to"

3:12 PM

"To find Carolyn"

Kite isn't listening.

Shit shit shit if this continues, we're not going to be able to do anything

3:28 PM

I...

3:34 PM

Shawn reaches out and grabs Kite by the arm, and pulls him towards Shawn

3:34 PM

"Kite..."

3:36 PM

"I know you're angry... But destroying Carolyn's house is just going to make things harder for us. Ignore Ehn. That thing doesn't matter"

((Roll))

(((9..)) (edited)

Kite doesn't notice him, and continues to wreck the apartment. Eventually, he gets tired and stops. Ehn continues to be perfectly unharmed.

...

3:46 PM

silently, Shawn said "goddamn it, Kite"

3:49 PM

Shawn didn't know how to feel. On one hand, he understood Kite. If he was in this situation, he would have done the same thing. Kite is simply taking out his anger on whatever he can find. On the other hand... this is the worst possible place to do that

Police sirens come into earshot.

are you fucking kidding me

3:50 PM

"Kite, we need to go, right now."

"No!" Kite. "I'm gonna make this stupid dog pay!" "I'm not a dog, I am Ehn!" Her expression returned to the sad frown. "Sorry, reflex. I mean I'm just as shocked as you are, you know! Also a victim here."

"Kite, listen to me. Listen to the words I'm trying to tell you."

3:53 PM

"We can't touch Ehn right now. You know that. Please stop making this worse"

3:54 PM

"If we don't leave literally right fucking now, we are never going to be able to get Carolyn. Are you hearing what I'm saying?"

3:55 PM

"I understand how you're feeling, I really do. And we will find Ehn, and Carolyn, and we're going to put a stop to all this. But right now, we need to go."

3:56 PM

Shawn motions to the fire escape

Kite gets back up and demolishes another wall for no reason. "You can't tell me what to do, bro! I'll figure it out!"

"Are you fucking kidding me, man? The police! They're outside!"

4:08 PM

"Please, man. Just listen to me"

"You listen to me! I'm in charge here! Just cause I didn't go all the way yesterday doesn't mean I'm not in charge! I say when we leave, and when we don't leave, you got that?" Kite.

Shawn is pissed now

4:21 PM

"Oh, you're in charge? You're the leader? You're sooooooooo on top of things? Where the hell were you yesterday, Kite? I made the worst mistake of my fucking life last night and at the first sign of conflict you fucking bailed on me! And now, I'm trying to make sure the same shit doesn't happen to you! Don't fucking lecture me about whos in charge"

Kite punches Shawn. It's a soft blow.

Shawn's face has the same emotion that like that one gif of Arthur closing his fist has

4:26 PM

Shawn punches kite back. Also softly

Kite shoves Shawn hard, and then runs for the fire exit.

Shawn follows behind

4:28 PM

before he leaves, he flips off Ehn

As soon as Kite arrives at the ground level, he takes off running.

Shawn also runs away in the same direction

Kite stopped. "Go away, Shawn!"

((are we like in an alleyway))

4:44 PM

((or like an open street))

((Open street))

((TRAgic))

4:48 PM

Shawn keeps running past Kite

"Yeah! Keep running!" Kite.

Shawn kept moving

4:50 PM

He turned to look at kite for a second (without stopping)

Kite is eventually out of sight.

Shawn keeps running. As fast and as hard as he can

4:52 PM

No real direction in mind

4:54 PM

He eventually stops, and ducks into an alley, hiding behind a dumpster

4:55 PM

He left Kite. Abandoned him, just like Kite abandond him yesterday. Is that fair?

4:55 PM

Shawn thought about Kite. How he has no idea where he went. How he could have gone back to the crime scene. How he might have permanently damaged thier friendship

4:56 PM

Who is Shawn Duveldt if Kite isn't there.

Shawn hears a cry for help from nearby. (edited)

Shawn suddenly perks up from his cocoon of self loathing and looks around

4:57 PM

Where did that come from?

A young woman is being mugged on the opposite end of the alley.

He didn't need Kite. He could be a hero, all by himself.

4:59 PM

Shawn secured his mask to his face. He got up, stood as tall as he could, and started walking towards the two

"Get back!" The mugger pointed his gun at Shawn.

Shawn kept walking closer

The mugger shot at Shawn in a panic, but this did nothing.

Hahaha, yes

5:04 PM

"Get out of here"

"Wh-What the hell!?" The mugger ran away.

Shawn smiles to himself

5:11 PM

"Are you okay, ma'am?"

"Yes, thank you. You're a real hero."

(edited)

5:17 PM

YES YES YES

5:17 PM

HUGE WIN

5:17 PM

Shawn is unbelieavly happy, but he doesn't move much, or show it through his mask.

5:18 PM

god this is so great. In your face you stupid fucking asshole. I win! I am the best!

She left.

((Incredibly meaningful encounter thank you atmey))

((A real gamechanger))

((idk where to take this lmfao))

5:26 PM

Shawn walked back the other way, down the alley. As he did, he thought about what had just happend. How he had actually saved someone. and he'd done it without Kite. He didn't even need him.

5:26 PM

Yeah, that's it.

5:29 PM

Every time things fuck up, it's always cause Kite can't get control of himself. He always gets so angry, and jumps ahead of everything. He refuses to listen. That's what made them fuck up the mission at the warehouse, that how Mats died, that's how this whole thing got screwed up. Hell, he's probably off somewhere messing things up right now...

5:29 PM

He's probably...

5:29 PM

Shawn started running back

5:30 PM

but like. Sneakier (edited)

Back in which direction?

The way he came, towards the building

5:31 PM

He stopped, all of a sudden

5:31 PM

pulled out his phone and called Kite

5:31 PM

went back into the alley of course

He didn't pick up.

Shawn called again

He didn't pick up.

Shawn did this a few more times

Kite never picked up.

Fuck. fuck

5:33 PM

I can't go back there. But. I can't leave him

5:33 PM

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

5:35 PM

Shawn collapsed on himself.

5:36 PM

Shawn sat down, hidden from view, and started thinking what Shawn would do next

5:36 PM

as he sat, he felt the mark where the bullet had hit him

5:37 PM

It didn't hurt, as always, but... nothing did. Nothing should, right?

5:38 PM

If shawn could stop that robber, he could help Kite. Get him out of whatever he's gotten himself ino

5:39 PM

Shawn started moving towards the crime scene

5:39 PM

(sneakily)

There’s a bunch of cops around the building.

Shawn looks around for Kite

No sign of him. But Lelouch and Jade are there.

What?

5:54 PM

Are they in earshot?

Shawn could choose to approach them.

Not in costume.

5:59 PM

Hm

The 2 girls approach a cop.

6:02 PM

Jade sprays a cop with perfume.

Shawn changes into his Normal clothes

6:04 PM

He walks to Lelouch

6:05 PM

God, should he even be doing this. Lelouch is the enemy, right. If Kite saw this...

6:05 PM

No, Shawn's a hero. He's the best. and he's here to save Kite. Talking to Lelouch is just another step in the Hero's Journey.

((Don't react until I finish explaining))

((uh ok)) (edited)

6:19 PM

((wtf did i do)) (edited)

6:20 PM

((if im getting mind controlled im gonna be so pissed))

Shawn is now deeply in love with Jade Lamperouge. This transcends actual sexual attraction, but you now think she is the greatest person in the world and would do absolutely anything she asks. This includes bafflingly impossible requests like forgetting information purposely or murdering someone. Your attraction does not physically manifest in your personality for fear of making her uncomfortable, and you generally act the same way you would normally outside of Jade's requests. You cannot tell Jade or anyone else the phenomenon that makes you act like this, even if they ask, and must feel that this is completely genuine. When this wears off, you will remember everything you have not been asked to forget and be able to react to how fucked up and disturbing that was. ((I will tell you when it wears off.)) (edited)

i have like things to do irl atmey you cnt give me

6:26 PM

heart palpitations

6:26 PM

my hands are shaking

((How))

((cause i fucked up))

6:27 PM

((what is the extent of my ability to make it affect my personality))

6:28 PM

((can i make shawn nervous and dorky))

((Yeah))

6:28 PM

((You act completely normal in every context outside of what Jade orders you to do))

((ok but like

6:29 PM

can i make him act in a way that Shawn would normally act if he was in love))

((No(that would be FAR too embarrassing))) (edited)

6:31 PM

((You can inner monologue it))

((also am i still allowed to Lie if she doesnt phrase it as a command))

((Yeah))

((aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa)) (edited)

While Shawn was in that area, he didn't see Kite anywhere, right?

He did not.

Ok awesome(thank god)

6:48 PM

Shawn heads to Lelouch's appartment

It is the penthouse.

Is the door locked

Yes.

Hmm

6:51 PM

((IS it okay if i dont follow her literally word for word. like instead of "leave it on the counter" i leave it just someplace he'll se it))

((No))

Shawn opens his backpack and takes out a piece of paper. He doesn't exactly have a card on him, but this should be good enough, right? I mean, as long as it sends a message. Shawn doesn't really know why Shuichi would need a calling card, so he isn't sure what to write. He decides instead to write word-for-word the first calling card from Masqeurade V, but instead of the pedo teacher, he switches it for Shuichi Maoziwam

((Fucking incredible))

Shawn is taking screenshots of the text conversation

6:56 PM

what the fuck

7:00 PM

Shawn has left it on the doormat and is now heading towards the elevator

7:02 PM

Shawn is still taking screenshots.

7:05 PM

Shawn heads home. He's tired

7:08 PM

((btw))

7:08 PM

(("dont follow my orders again until i say "what are your thoughts on cereal"))

7:09 PM

((is that still in place even after the effect wears off?))

((no))

((ok good lmfao))

7:10 PM

Shawn calls Kite again

He doesn't pick up.

Before Shawn goes home, he heads to the alley where he met with Ehn this morning, to see if The Girl is still ther

7:11 PM

just in case

7:12 PM

(( i am also assuming that when lelouch says the word Mention, she means like physically talk about, right? Can i still show people the screenshots))

((They apply the way Shawn understands them))

((ok awesome))

7:14 PM

Is anyone at the alleyway

No.

"Ehn?"

7:17 PM

While Shawn is here, he suddenly remembers something

7:18 PM

"Sometimes the law is not enough to punish criminals. Sometimes the law does nothing but help criminals. You two agree, don't you?" "Like I said, criminals."

7:19 PM

Shawn trusted Lelouch and Jade with his life, and he loved them so much he'd do anything for them... but

7:19 PM

What were they doing there?

7:20 PM

Shawn initially assumed that they were friendly, but they might not actually be. Maybe they were there to cover up Gus's death

7:20 PM

Still, Shawn couldn't tell them that. While he trusted them with all his heart... he didnt trust them at all. Nothing added up

Not Shawn Duveldt started a thread. 10/1/2022 7:21 PM

Shawn googled the New Edlightenment

7:22 PM

if they had a location, he should go there

7:23 PM

That Girl, she deserved to know about this

No results.

7:23 PM

Well, no results beyond the original Edlightenment.

While shawn walked home, he did some reaserch on them.

What part of them?

Their history

7:25 PM

and more about the Blythe family

7:25 PM

also, he tried to find any connection between the Blythes and the Maoziwams

((Roll))

8

Edward Blythe poisoned his entire cult to death, outside of his daughter, Carolyn Blythe. Then he was arrested. There's not much new here.

Damn. Shawn heads home

Shawn arrived home. His parents are busy.

((Is it okay if I end here do you have anything more planned))

((We can end here))

Actually

7:33 PM

What time is it

It's late.

what time late!!

I dunno!!!! Like 10PM sure

Ok

7:43 PM

Shawn goes to bed

The chapter ends.

((I ended the chapter purely because I was suffering intense misery. Please don’t make me suffer more because of this. My actions have had enough consequences))

7:51 PM

((I feel insurmountable miserynidk how the fuck I’m going to recover from this))

((Are you okay?))

((I’m fine I’m just extremely sad))

8:01 PM

((Sorry I’m acting like this this is just like. The most viscerally a media has affected me))

((Sorry about that))

((It’s PROBABLY a good thing))

((You can now understand Lelouch route discourse a bit))

((I despite Lelouch Maoziwam (human) but she’s a good character I don’t get bloop))

I have a bit of time can i un-end his session

8:47 PM

briefly

((Sure))

Shawn can't sleep. This is all too confusing

8:48 PM

He goes on his computer and starts reaerching everything he can, as hard as he can. the New Edlightemnent didnt turn up results before, but he kept looking

8:50 PM

Every lead he'd found. Everything he could about Shuichi. Everything about Lelouch. About Carolyn Blythe. He started going into his other leads, too. A man in a white suit named Jay. Sam Kidink. Elusive Sentasaurus. Jackson Day

8:50 PM

Ray Elliot. Where is he

8:51 PM

((fuck fuck))

8:51 PM

((can i reroll because im doing it SO hard))

Shawn blocks Lelouchs number.

((You can reroll, yes))

what the fuck

9:08 PM

I hate my life

Shawn is too tired to get any meaningful research done tonight.

Shawn breaks down crying

9:10 PM

god damn it god damn it god damn it god damn it god damn it god damn it god damn it god god damn it it god damn it god damn it

9:11 PM

I’m a fucking worthless sack of shit I can’t do fucking anything right

9:11 PM

aaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAA

Not Shawn Duveldt

Shawn blocks Lelouchs number.

((To be clear, the Jade love has not dissipated yet))

((WHERE in the rules does it say that Shawn can’t do this))

((It doesn't, I just wanted to avoid confusion))

((Oh ok.))

9:14 PM

((The thing trying to do is like Because the disgust Shawn feels is so incredibly awful (and also wasn’t restricted by any of Jades commandments) he feels horrible and does things but just doesn’t understand why he’s doing that))

9:16 PM

I can’t save Kite. I can’t stop Carolyn. I can’t even fucking

9:16 PM

aaaaaaa

9:17 PM

There has never been anyone in the history of the human race more pathetic then Shawn Duveldt. He is the dictionary definition of pathetic.

9:18 PM

Maybe not even in the human race. If you had a genie and told the genie “i wish to see the most pathetic object that is able to physically exist in our reality or any other reality that operates under different rules” the genie would just direct you to Shawns house (edited)

9:21 PM

In every conceivable way, Shawn was a failure. He couldn’t protect anyone, anyone who mattered, really. And now what. He’s stuck at home. His friends are out somewhere and he has no idea where. They could be dead. They could be hurt. Kite could be dying

9:21 PM

But Shawn couldn’t set foot out of this room. Because he was too scared. He’s a fucking pussy bitch idiot

9:22 PM

Selfish, too. I didn’t add that before. He’s the most selfish person to ever conceivably exist

9:22 PM

Shawn continued to monologue like this to himself until midnight

The chapter ends.

Shawn Duveldts worst day ever

9:29 PM

((How did Jade stay in C... tragic))

((I forgot to move her down))

9:30 PM

((She’s in hell too))

((Crazy how Kite gets proven right every time. Morally pure hero))

((Yeah lmfao))

9:30 PM

((I gotta stop doubting him))

9:31 PM

((If he’s not dead (please don’t let him die please please please please please)))

((:raykerloenextsession:))

((KITE IS RELATED TO HAV????))

((No))

((Also like idk if you meant to reveal this ti me but like. Jade Maoziwam???))

9:32 PM

((Did they get married))

9:32 PM

((Good for them))

((What do you mean))

Oh I was wrong

9:33 PM

((Jade Lamporange))

9:33 PM

((Confusing my code geass references))

((Jade Lamperouge my beloved))

((Im moving to ooc))

Shawn reads MaoMao fuck it

when did Kite send those messages

((No session this week))

((I’ll be praying))

Not Shawn Duveldt

Shawn’s face remained the same, but internally he was yiiking in agony. That remark reminded him of a certain game he had once played, one so terrible that the mere thought of it put him off

((i fucking)) (edited)

10:19 PM

((forgot this)) (edited)

10:20 PM

((laughing at my own jokes here. Shawn ZTD trauma response))

((Saturday.))

((I totally thought I’d have 2 weeks off)) (edited)

4:15 PM

((Ch5 moving fast))

((Oh. It's not.))

((Well))

4:15 PM

((?????))

4:15 PM

((Ok now I’m confused))

(( :) ))

((I thought like))

4:17 PM

((The breaks existed so everyone else could catch up to where I am))

4:17 PM

((But if that’s not what’s happening))

((That is why they exist))

4:21 PM

((I just want to fuck with you specifically))

((NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO))

4:22 PM

((you’re evil atmey))

((Rei is stealing ALL of my fun smh))

((i hate you AND rei so much

))

Not Shawn Duveldt

before he leaves, he flips off Ehn

((HATE that dog))

Ehn/PC

((You can now understand Lelouch route discourse a bit))

((I don't even see how this is related))

8:54 PM

((is there other discourse going on I haven't seen? nothing in this campaign has made be uncomfortable yet it is in nearly impossible for media to make me uncomfortable in any way)) (edited)

((i assume its about lelouch lack of consequence))

8:55 PM

((anyway what did u think))

((it was interesting))

Sean Niebel

((is there other discourse going on I haven't seen? nothing in this campaign has made be uncomfortable yet it is in nearly impossible for media to make me uncomfortable in any way)) (edited)

((I was not talking about her being uncomfortable. I was making an unrelated statement about how Lea now has a bit of an idea what this character is about))

((has there been much discourse about that lol))

((Discourse: You don't like her as much as I do))

((beyond me saying 'not enough lelouch writing' and you saying 'so much lelouch writing' I feel like we haven't talked much))

8:58 PM

((gotta start making writeups... smh))

((i understand exactly what shes about (shes EVIL(THE WORST PERSON EVER)))

((nvm lego gets her COMPLETELY))

8:58 PM

((the walter white of ag))

((Walter White is a paragon saint compared to her))

8:58 PM

((kite is never wrong)) (edited)

9:00 PM

((also Atmey can I have access to the other Shawn channels on this account? Im still gonna Duveldt Out on the other one but it would be nice to be able to see them))

((Yeah sure))

((Anyway bloop i hope you enjoyed. and understood why i reacted like that in #ooc-threads))

((how did you react))

((uhhhhhh i spend like 5 hours straight yelling about how much i hated rei))

((I think you might be a bit too in-character as Shawn...))

((yeah i projected too hard))

9:07 PM

((ive learned my lesson))

Shawn stands in the middle of a long corridor, triumphant. He has vanquished The Creature.

"Too easy"

2:03 PM

Shawn adjusts his mask while smiling smugly

The end of the dungeon is visible from here. This is as far as Shawn can go until the end of the month.

Thats no problem. More time to prepare, right?

2:28 PM

Shawn does wish he could keep going, though. He has enough materials and gear to make it through, and he doesn't really need any more party members. But still, its for the plot, so whatever

Shawn arrives back home for another day of short plot and social links. (edited)

Stupid fucking cat.... It's like 9:30, I don't have to go to bed now

2:32 PM

Shawn gets in bed and after a short cutscene wakes up the next morning.

2:33 PM

Wake up, walk through the cafe, get on the train, head to class, you get it

2:35 PM

Shawn thinks about what he should do in the intrim. Finish Haruto's confidant? Eat a fucking massive hamburger? Watch movies? Really theres infinite possibilies

2:35 PM

and everything he does is gonna help him train. There's really no wrong answers

The player forces Shawn to do Jade Lamperouge's confidant. ((Forgot they were called that))

Wait what

2:37 PM

No

2:37 PM

What

2:37 PM

Huh?

2:37 PM

No no no no no

2:39 PM

It's snowing. It's like July, why is it snowing? Why can't I see the snow? The sky remains blue, but... There's snow falling. And if there isnt snow... if it isnt snowing

2:39 PM

why do I feel so cold

2:41 PM

Have you ever heard of the suspension bridge effect?

The player forces Shawn to do Jade Lamperouge's confidant.

"Hiya Jade!"

2:42 PM

A man and a woman stand a distance apart, both on top of a suspension bridge above an insurmountable height

2:43 PM

The man sees the woman and his heart his heart his heart his heart his heart his heart his heart his heart his heart his heart his heart his heart his heart

((Found a fucking Persona piccrew lmao))

((Lmao??))

2:45 PM

((Doesnt Jade already have one??))

((Yes but. This one is Persona))

2:45 PM

"Hiya Shawn!"

"What's up? How are you?"

2:46 PM

The man sees the woman and his heart rate increases (edited)

"I'm doing good. What about you?" Dialogue options flare up.

Been pretty good!
Kinda stressed with school, exams are coming up
Jade, I'm so fucking scared. I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I want to be a good person I really fucking do and I try over and over and over and over I try so fucking hard Jade but I'm such a failure at everything. Is anything I do really worth it? I can't fucking escape this endless black spectere of death that approaches me at every corner. I want to fade into nothing again, but doing that hurts too much. I can't keep going on like this. I don't know what to do

(edited)

2:51 PM

"Been pretty good!"

((I think there are like. Points for this, right?))

((Yeah, choices you make can give you points, you know how many points you get based on how many musical notes appear around a person, up to 3 max))

Points go up. Jade must really love it when people are happy and useful.

Didn't even need a walkthrough for that. This confidant is so easy

2:58 PM

The man's heart rate increases when he's on the bridge, because of his fear of heights

"Say, Shawn. Could you do something for me?" Options pop up.

"Yeah, totally"
"Yeah, totally"
"Yeah, totally"

(edited)

3:08 PM

“Yeah, totally”

"Kill yourself." Jade Lamperouge did not say these words. "Can I have your credit card information?" This was more accurate.

But the man does not recognize his fear. Rather, seeing the woman, he feels the physical sensation of fear, ie heart rate increase, sharper focus, etc, and makes a mistake (edited)

3:11 PM

Shawn pulls out his wallet

3:11 PM

Hands her his card

3:12 PM

Shawns other hand is clasped around his neck

She takes his, now her, card and puts it in her pocket.

((Hi I’m back))

((Hi))

“Anything else you need?”

"I’m alright for now. But… Just to make sure. Shawn, you’re mine. I own you. You know that, right?"

“Deep down somewhere, yeah. It’s just… I don’t know. It’s weird to think about.”

4:09 PM

The man mistakes his fear for love

"Think about it. You’re mine." Options pop up.

Yeah, body and soul
This is wrong. This is all so wrong
I love you, Kite

4:20 PM

“I love you, Jade”

"I don’t love you. There are way too many people better than you."

“I love you. You mean so much to me. I just… I just want you to be happy”

4:24 PM

“You’re right. I know you’re right. But I can’t deny how I feel about you, ||||”

4:24 PM

The most pathetic man in the world

4:25 PM

There’s no one more pathetic or selfish or awful or horrible then Shawn Duveldt

I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve anything

"That’s right. You don’t deserve me."

I’m tired, Jade. Will you let me rest?

Never.

Please, Jade. Please. What can I do? How do I make you happy? That’s all I want. Just give me orders. Tell me what to do. Make me useful. I can’t stand this

4:54 PM

I just want to be. I just want you to be happy

Kill yourself.

Yeah, totally

Shawn looked down at his feet. Next to his right foot was a small, blue-black stag beetle. It's pincers were curved, like the horns of a goat. It's flat and rough skin shined in the pale light. It's eyes, too small to see, were affixed to something below it. Something far too small to see.

5:20 PM

But Shawn knew what it was looking at

5:26 PM

He turned his head around and looked up at the sky. There was something there. A creature who's legs streched far beyond skyscrapers, who's body covered the stars and blocked out the sun, far bigger then any creature Shawn had ever seen before. It was covered in vines and roots and had scales like a snake and wings like a bird and the head of a lion with the teeth of a cobra. A squid's tentacles and an insect's mandibles jutted out of every corner of this incomprensible mass. It was a horrible monster, but it too was looking somewhere else. Small white dandruff fell from its great white hide. Maybe that's what the snow was? It stared upwards, towards the sky, where Shawn knew that it saw something else, something massive and incomprensible and far beyond his pitiful human imagination. (edited)

5:27 PM

He turned back to the bug and smiled. He raised his foot. The bug raised its leg. The beast raised its limb.

5:28 PM

Squish

Shawn wakes up at his desk the next morning. ((End session))

((i realized i forgot to switch accounts lmfao))

((Session next week?))

((No session this week))

https://twitter.com/dniwetamp/status/1581816288288309248?s=20&t=DEQ5gUgq4wYKK05nCmNgTA

DniweTamp (@dniwetamp)

persona 5 but awesome

Likes

5453

Retweets

717

((Saturday))

((wtf))

((Everyone finished the chapter…))

((wish ariel was still here so she could delay it infintly

((am i like absolutly needed at the start))

12:54 PM

((have some up-in-the-air last minute plans))

12:54 PM

((so i might be a bit late unless i like have to be here))

((Nah, it’s alright.))

((Awesome ))

1:03 PM

((ill be a little late. not sure how long but probably like an hour))

Shawn woke up at his desk the next morning.

Shawn shoots up into his chair, eyes wide open

2:13 PM

He jumps up so violently that his chair nearly falls backwards but he catches himself

2:13 PM

what the hell was that

2:13 PM

His face is all wet, although it’s unclear if it’s sweat or tears

((Back already?))

((I have like 2 minutes rn lol))

2:15 PM

((Going to leave shortly))

2:15 PM

Shawn recalls what happened yesterday and rests his head back in his desk

((I’m back))

((hi))

“What the hell am I supposed to do”

3:29 PM

Shawn lightly slams his head on the table

3:30 PM

“Aaaagh”

3:30 PM

Shawn checks his phone for the time and also of Kite texted him back

It's the morning. Kite has not texted him back.

im not fucking going to school

It is Saturday, so he doesn't even have school.

Oh right it’s ~~chapter~~ day 6

Something is happening (edited)

3:41 PM

I don't really know what it is, but something is going on. Something much bigger then me

3:48 PM

Edglightment, Ehn, superpowers, Carolyn Blythe, the police, Kite, Rumen...

3:48 PM

And at the center of it all, Lelouch Maoziwam

3:49 PM

"What's actually going on?" (edited)

3:52 PM

"Who is Ehn? Why are they supporting Carolyn? Why did they give us superpowers?" (edited)

3:53 PM

"Who are the New Edlightment? Why'd they kidnap Lelouch, Jade, Sophie, and the white suit guy?"

3:53 PM

"And..."

3:54 PM

Wait... hang on

3:55 PM

"Sometimes the law is not enough to punish criminals. Sometimes the law does nothing but help criminals. You two agree, don't you?"

3:58 PM

"Lelouch..."

3:58 PM

What were Lelouch and Jade doing at the crime scene?

3:59 PM

I texted with her...

3:59 PM

Shawn checks his texts, but theyre deleted (edited)

3:59 PM

He looks through his photos for screenshots he took.

4:00 PM

I definitly remember her texting me these things

4:01 PM

What does she mean by "do what I say"

4:03 PM

And... why shouldn't I mention the perfume?

4:05 PM

Shawn didn't really know what all of this was about, but there was one thing for sure. Lelouch didn't want anyone knowing that she was at the crime scene yesterday

4:07 PM

Not just that, but Lelouch was a target of the New Edlightment. The New Edlightment was also going after Carolyn... So it's possible that Carolyn and Lelouch know eachother.

4:08 PM

And if Carolyn is on the same side as Lelouch... Ehn probably is connected to Carolyn as well

4:08 PM

That'd make 5, right? Shawn, Kite, Carolyn, QuestionmarkQuestionmarkQuestionmark, and Lelouch.

4:11 PM

Why did Lelouch make me deliver a calling card to her house even though its in the same appartment building as Carolyns? It's a short walk... She could be just lazy, but considering what was happenng, I imagine she'd be more careful. So then...

4:13 PM

Maybe she didn't want to be seen? Maybe she killed Gus? and wanted to avoid security cameras...

4:14 PM

There's no way. Blythe is a serial killer. Between her and Lelouch, one is more likely to kill someone randomly then the other. Still, I can't rule out the possiblitiy. (edited)

4:16 PM

Shawn gets up. He needed to find Kite and make sure he's safe. But theres really only one lead he has right now

4:16 PM

The girl. He told her theyll meet again tommorow.

4:16 PM

Shawn gets up, gets dressed, heads to the kitchen, eats a banana, and leaves

4:18 PM

He heads to Ehn's allyway

It’s empty.

Shawn Duveldt

Shawn gets up, gets dressed, heads to the kitchen, eats a banana, and leaves

While he's doing this he goes on twitter

SentSawTooMuch

@Shawn Duveldt (@bug098) BRO LOOK AT MY NEW DRIP When do you wanna do the interview.

Jump

Go to message!

Shawn wasnt going to meet with sentasaurus without Kite around. (edited)

4:28 PM

But he needed to find him first

"Ehn? You here?'

No response.

Hmm

Lea Skeleton

Shawn sent a message to Sam

Hey, Sam, just wanted to check up. Anything weird happened recently?

Jump

Go to message!

((Sam has no session rn. Do I need to pause you too lmao))

((No, i wasn't expecting a response))

4:50 PM

((Doubt he would tell me anything lol))

4:53 PM

I have one lead... But I'm pretty sure the sentasaurus case is unrelated...

4:58 PM

Goddamn it

4:58 PM

Shawn sorta wanders the streets for a bit looking for Kite. He stops at a cafe and buys a donut then keeps looking

5:04 PM

((im gonna roll investigation))

5:04 PM

fuck

His father is currently working as the cafe's barista.

Huh?

5:06 PM

"Dad?"

"Uhhh... No?" He speaks.

?

He seems visibly uncomfortable at your presence.

"Why are you... a barista?"

5:08 PM

"Thats a weird question, sorry"

5:08 PM

"I didn't know you worked here"

"That makes sense because I obviously don't know you because we are strangers."

Oh, I get it

5:12 PM

"Sorry, didn't want to embarrass you. Can i get uhhh"

5:12 PM

He points to a donut "that one"

5:16 PM

Oh wait... I guess Sentasaurus did mention my dad working at a cafe somewhere...

5:17 PM

But when I asked my dad about that, he said he wasn't

5:17 PM

Why'd he lie...

Shawn buys his donut

5:36 PM

i asume

This happens.

Shawn eats his donut in the store hoping that his dad wll talk to him

5:38 PM

does this happen

He does not.

Sad

5:39 PM

Shawn walks out of the store, waving to hs dad

His dad doesn't wave back.

5:44 PM

Shawn continues his search

5:44 PM

for like 15 min

No result.

Shawn calls him again

((Calls who?))

Kite

No response.

Fucking hell

5:48 PM

I'm not fucking talking to Lelouch

5:48 PM

Kite and Sam won't pick up

5:48 PM

Ehn is gone, the girl is too

5:49 PM

My dad works at a cafe i guess?????

5:49 PM

Only one option left

Lea Skeleton

Hey, Sent! I'm headed to the Kerloe Fishery right now

Jump

Go to message!

Shawn heads to the Kerloe Fishery

((Session end)) (edited)

5:53 PM

((I just remembered Sent is several hours ahead of you. Whoops!))

((Lmao)) (edited)

((You're still paused but this time for a different player))

((I assume Hav?))

Shawn Duveldt

Shawn heads to the Kerloe Fishery

Shawn does tbis

hi?

The store is empty. There isn’t even anyone at the counter.

“Hello?”

2:14 PM

Shawn stands at the counter for a few minutes

2:14 PM

Checks his phone

2:14 PM

Messages Kite again

Beep Beep Beep There’s a faint beeping from nearby.

“Huh?”

2:16 PM

Shawn follows the sound

It’s behind the counter.

Shawn checks behind the counter

There’s a bomb. The timer is counting down from 5… 4… 3…

Oh shit

2:21 PM

Shawn runs towards the enterence as fast as he can

2…

2:22 PM

((Roll))

YOOOOO

2:23 PM

IM FUCKING GOATED

1…

2:23 PM

Shawn makes it out of the fish store.

holy fucking shit (edited)

…0. The fish store explodes in flames.

Shawn dashes away, but manages to watch the store explode

2:25 PM

His eyes are wide

2:25 PM

“Holy shit…”

2:25 PM

Is this real? Am I dreaming?

2:26 PM

what the fuck just happened

2:27 PM

“Fuck…”

2:27 PM

How big was the explosion

2:27 PM

Also like. What is this place. Is it like an entire doc or is it just a single store

The building itself is functional, but the store has been wiped off the map.

“Oh god oh god oh god” (edited)

2:31 PM

Shawn dashes in the opposite direction

2:33 PM

He’s want to investigate but he’s a little bit too worried for his personal safety right now

2:33 PM

Are there other people nearby

((Nearby as in?))

Like on the street

((Is be looking back or forward))

?

((WHERE is he looking this isn’t a very complex question))

((Oh in both directions. Just like other people on the street who see this happening))

Hav Kerloe and a man in a white suit walk out of the building opposite Kerloe Fishery.

How do I know that man is Hav Kerloe

Because I am telling you he is.

does Probably Hav Kerloe and White Suit see Shawn (edited)

Probably

That white suit... The new Edlightment?

2:42 PM

And whos the man he's next to?

2:42 PM

There's no way they arent connected to this

2:43 PM

Shawn dashes into an alleyway on the side of the street that theyre on. He runs a decent distance, to the point where if they were following him, theyd have to walk decently far, and changes into his costume

2:45 PM

does Shawn do this

This happens.

Awesome

2:45 PM

Why would they blow up Kerloe's shop?

2:46 PM

Was it cause I was there? Were they trying to kill me?

2:47 PM

What'd I do to them? I mean, I busted out Lelouch, but...

2:47 PM

Shawn uses the back alleys to sneak closer to the two of them

They’re in an empty parking lot now.

Do they see Shawn? also, are they close enough to hear?

They do not. They are not.

Shawn's going to assess the situation. Is there any way he can get closer to them without being seen

None. It’s a completely empty parking lot.

Can shawn see the explosion where he is?

Not really.

Then the best option right now is to wait for them to move (edited)

2:56 PM

I'm not pulling the same shit I did with Lelouch. I have the upper hand right now

2:56 PM

in the meantime, Shawn texts Kite again (edited)

2:57 PM

After a presumed lack of response, he checks twitter for any news on the explosion

2:57 PM

A terrorist attack downtown would surely make some news right?

No one has reacted yet. The police aren’t even here yet.

The cops are useless anyway

3:00 PM

Shawn decides to wait

3:00 PM

and also theorize

3:01 PM

Shawn takes the oppertunity to reaserche Kerloe Fishery. Who runs it?

3:01 PM

and other details

They have like 0 online presence.

They’ve gotta have like a website or something

3:06 PM

Google reviews?

They’re positively reviewed, but not by anyone with actual comments.

why would Sentasaurus want to meet there?

3:10 PM

Shawn looks through the likes and retweets on the tweet where Sentasaurus said to go to the fishery

3:10 PM

btw shawn is like out of view hiding behind something he’s not just standing in the street

((Yeah I figured))

Are they still there

Yes.

ok i have to leave for like half an hour maybe more idk if you wnat to pause hav

A white windowless van pulls up into the parking lot.

3:30 PM

((I was going to pause immediately after knowing what Shawn does in reaction to the van))

Like pause both of us?

((Yes))

Ok I have an idea but I CANT SAY it rn I need a lil bit sorry

((Would it be noticeable to Hav))

((Pausing hav would make it noticeable I was there so no))

((I don’t understand what you mean. Is Shawn doing anything Hav would notice or can I end his session))

(End his session))

Shawn takes a photo of the lisence plate

4:03 PM

While he’s at it, he also takes a photo of the white suit and Hav

4:03 PM

((this wasn’t worth it sorry for making u wait))

God damn it god fucking damn it. They’re getting away and I can’t do jack shit about it. Is this what being a hero is? Just endless repetition of failure over and over, never actually reaching anything? To be a hero is to do good, right? But what kind of hero is Shawn if any good he ever tries to do ends up backfiring in the worst possible way! Kite would know what to do if he was here. He’s not. And I’m left completely lost. I spend all day searching for clues and the minute I find a single one, the most fucking insane clue ever, I’m too scared to do anything about it

4:25 PM

And now i’m back to fucking nothing! What’s the fucking point of any of this

4:32 PM

Salmon are raised at the bottom of a river. They live at the riverbed for their entire childhoods, and when they grow up, they start to swim upstream. They swim for thier whole lives, it's the most important thing for them. Eventually, theyll either die nobly trying, or theyll reach the top, mate, and die there, creating a new generation of salmon to climb the river again. Is that too much to ask for? A clear direction? A path in life that can show me whats good and whats not? I’m so fucking tired of this constant debate where I just go back and fourth and back and fourth on what to do and what not to do.

4:33 PM

I don’t know. I don’t know if that’s what I want. I think I just want a path. Somewhere to go. Somewhere to work towards

4:34 PM

There’s something wrong at the core of this city. I don’t know what it is. The more I search the more danger I put myself in.

4:35 PM

This is the path I’ve chosen but it’s not a clear one. Not much like a river. Everywhere I go there’s some new moral dilemma

4:35 PM

I don’t know. I’m tired.

4:36 PM

Finding Kite. that’s a goal i can work towards

4:36 PM

Everything else is just a step to get there

4:38 PM

Presumably Hav and the other guy go in the car.

4:39 PM

God, where the fuck am I

((They have not done anything yet because their session is paused. No spoilers))

Oh awesome

4:42 PM

I’m done

4:42 PM

At least till next week

The Elusive Sentasaurus dinosaur suit, carrying Bob Smith in its arms, flies toward you at Mach 1 from inside the alleyway. You barely dodge, watching it fly into the parking lot and crashing against the white van. The man in the white suit points a gun at Bob immediately. ((End not-session))

WHAT

3:14 PM

HUHH

3:14 PM

ok wait so im actualy confused how this is oriented

((Wdym))

hang on

3:20 PM

ok so

3:22 PM

((Light green is Shawn, white is Suit, blue is Hav. first pic is how i assumed it was oriented the first time (although the car was slightly smaller, so shawn could see the side and take photos and shit, and also see them.) So if Sentasaurus goes through the alleyway and hits the car, how did Suit pull a gun on him)) (edited)

((Rotate the van and Hav/white suit guy by 180 degrees, and move them a little to the right))

Something like this?

((Yeah))

((No session this week))

((Wtf sad))

((Mvdy is busy sadly))

((Saturday))

The man in the white suit points a gun at Bob immediately.

“AA WHAT”

2:02 PM

Shawn scrambles up to his feet (edited)

2:02 PM

He makes sure his phone is in his pocket

It is.

Shit

2:09 PM

Fuck

2:09 PM

Ok

2:09 PM

Hang on

2:09 PM

What the fuck just happened

2:09 PM

That's Bob Smith, right? I recognize the dinosaur

2:10 PM

But

2:10 PM

Whos in the suit? And how the fuck were theygoing that fast

2:10 PM

I'm out in the open. do they see me?

((You’re getting out of your hiding spot?))

im still there i got knocked out

2:12 PM

i thought

2:12 PM

cuzi dodged

2:13 PM

Shawn scrambles back behind tthe trash can

((No sorry. Otherwise I’d have put all 3 of you in the same channel))

2:16 PM

The 3 of them are arguing with each other.

are they close enough to hear?

2:17 PM

if theyre yelling which they probably are Shawn should be able to hear them

((No))

fuck

2:19 PM

Whats going on over there?

2:20 PM

god damn it god damn it god damn it god damn it god damn it god damn it god damn it god damn it

The Man in the White Suit opens the van doors.

how???

2:23 PM

sentasaurus crashed into them

2:24 PM

Shawn is also taking pictures of this

Sentasaurus seems to just be going along with the gun guy.

2:25 PM

The sentasaurus suit gets up and leaves.

what?

2:25 PM

im losing track

Bob Smith is not in the suit. He was being literally carried until they crashed.

right

2:29 PM

Shawn looks at the bob smith suit. Does it have like wheels or jets or something? how did it move so fast?

2:29 PM

Is that one of Ehn's powers? But... hm...

2:31 PM

I wish kite was here

The Sentasaurus suit is coming towards you.

https://youtu.be/jDksfmDiT-Y

AlisMetroid: MetalMargatroid

One Winged Angel but Every 2 Measures are Looped 10 Times

2:35 PM

Shawn puts his phone away. Is there anything near him that Shawn can use as some sort of bludgeoning weapon

Not really.

2:39 PM

Bob is getting in the van.

how close is suit man?

Like right in front of you.

oh ok

2:40 PM

Shawn mentally prepares himself, then stands up and looks directly at the suit guy

He walks up to you, grabs you, and drags you toward the van.

Hey! What the hell?

2:41 PM

Shawn punches this guy

((Roll))

((2)) (edited)

It's weak.

"Let go of me!" (edited)

Shawn is dragged into the parking lot by the elusive sentasaurus.

Shawn tries to break out of this guys grasp

2:44 PM

((1))

Shawn bails

3:39 PM

No no no

3:39 PM

FUck

3:39 PM

fuck

3:42 PM

Shawn runs for a bit

3:42 PM

Then stops

3:42 PM

Goddamn it. I have one lead. I cant...

3:42 PM

Bob smith might die

3:42 PM

Fuck. What do i do

3:43 PM

Where is Kite? God.... I need him here

3:44 PM

Shawn scans his surroundings

It’s a normal city street.

Shawn runs back

3:49 PM

He stops

3:49 PM

The whole reason I came out here today was so that I could find and beat up Bob Smith

3:50 PM

For what he did to Sophie and Sam

3:50 PM

But now I'm running back to save him. A criminal

3:50 PM

Is that worth it?

3:53 PM

Fuck

3:53 PM

Shawn approaches the scene again. But from a distance.

3:54 PM

Oh wait is anyone pursuing him?

No.

3:54 PM

The parking lot is empty now.

3:55 PM

((Actually wait. Roll))

((7))

((Nvm))

Shawn walks to the middle of the parking lot, where the incident happens. Is there any remnant of it?

There’s still blood.

Fuck

3:58 PM

Just missed em

3:58 PM

Shawn runs away

Where to?

The alleyway

It’s still empty.

Awesome

4:01 PM

Shawn runs through the alleys for a while, trying to get a good distance from Kerloe Fishery and the parking lot

((Wait by the alleyway do you mean The Alleyway or just an alleyway))

((Whichever one is closest))

((An alleyway is closer))

Shawn goes there

Shawn Duveldt

Shawn runs through the alleys for a while, trying to get a good distance from Kerloe Fishery and the parking lot

Shawn does this,g etting as far away as possible

Shawn gets away safely.

Shawn checks his phone for the time

It’s around 1PM.

Shawn scans his surroundngs to see if anyone followed him

4:12 PM

((1 wtf))

Nothing.

Shawn sits down on whatever he can nearby

4:16 PM

He rests for a few minutes

4:17 PM

"Where are you, man"

4:21 PM

Ok lets bring it together

4:21 PM

Hav Kerloe

4:22 PM

his brother, i assume named Man in White Kerloe works with the New Edlightment. Or at the very least he wears their outfits (edited)

4:22 PM

Despite that, he seems to be unfamilier with Ehn or the superpowers.

4:23 PM

They blew up Kerloe Fishery. I'm not sure why

4:24 PM

Man in White somehow knows me. I guess because of the time we saved Lelouch? Maybe he thinks we're working with them. Someone at the New Edlightment needs to give him some new info. (edited)

4:24 PM

Bob Smith is his son?

4:24 PM

Weird how they don't share a last name

((The name Ethfan was never verbally mentioned))

((I dont care))

((I do...)))

((fine.....))

4:26 PM

Shawn googles the name Jeff Johnner

((Roll))

((4))

Jeff Johnner is theorized to be the leader of the local mafia in Avengard. There is no further useful information.

The mob? (edited)

4:31 PM

This is crazy

4:31 PM

What does Jeff Johnner have to do with the New Edlightment?

4:31 PM

Shawn calls Kite again

He doesn't pick up.

goddamn it,man

4:33 PM

I'm so tired. Of all this

4:33 PM

*But... I did have a good performence of out there. I dont think they even noticed me sweating

4:34 PM

I guess they couldnt cuz of the mask. But yknow, body language

4:37 PM

Agh

4:37 PM

Shawn gets up

4:37 PM

Shawn scans his enviorment again

4:37 PM

((8))

4:38 PM

SHawn sits back down

This man walks toward him. "Hey there."

Huh?

4:39 PM

Ths shit again okay

4:40 PM

Shawn gets up slowly, and looks at him

4:40 PM

"Do I know you?"

"Beetle, right?"

“Yeah, that’s me”

4:45 PM

"Who are you?"

"The name's detective Howard Scott."

"You're a cop?"

4:48 PM

"What do you want from me?"

"I'd rather give the talk with the full crew. Where's the other one?"

"I'll relay the message to him"

"Was planning to reach out earlier, but he was absent. Stayed that way since, though."

"How long has that been?"

4:56 PM

"Since youve been trying to reach out, I mean"

"Last night, we received a tip that the murderers of Carolyn Blythe and Gus Amon would be standing in an alleyway the next morning. When I looked, there was just 1. You."

WHAT

4:59 PM

Fucking hell...

5:00 PM

"So... you think I did it?"

"No. Of course not. A tip like that's obvious bullshit. Especially considering Carolyn Blythe's tragically still walking among us."

((But gus isnt walking among us))

5:03 PM

"That's good"

5:03 PM

"Then what do you need me for?"

"I'd like to propose a partnership. Judging from the crime and tip, we have mutual enemies. Enemies the higherups don't want me chasing."

"Hmph"

5:10 PM

Having an ally in the police would be extremly helpful... but...

"Relax. I'm one of the good ones." He smiled.

"How do I know I can trust you?"

"Honestly, you don't. But it's either me or maiming random robbers. You can make up your mind later on."

"Hah"

5:13 PM

"Alright. I'll tell you what I know"

5:17 PM

"We knew Blythe was a killer. We went to the crime scene yesterday, but by the time we got there, Gus was already dead"

5:18 PM

"I know this seems suspicious. It's the best I can offer, sorry"

"I assumed. Call it a detective's intuition. Problem is, in this state, Carolyn's untouchable."

"Yeah, I kinda figured. Thats why I thought me and Kite would be the best bet in taking her on. But we missed her"

"I payed her a visit this morning. I had half a mind to kill her right there, honestly, but things didn't exactly work out in my favor." He grabbed his head. "She beat me with a chair."

"Ouch"

5:21 PM

"Sorry, that must hurt"

5:22 PM

"Me and Kite had to flee when we heard the cops show up. It could have been a setup, or just bad luck"

5:23 PM

"But there was something really really wrong with that whole case. I... I can't really put my finger on it"

5:23 PM

((need to take a SHORT break))

"Not exactly a stunning realization."

((im back))

((Welcome back))

"No, I mean it!"

5:31 PM

"Like... "

5:31 PM

"Hm"

5:31 PM

"I think there was someone else involved. A third party"

"Carolyn claims he shot himself in front of her. I say she did it. Who's your suspect?"

"I... I'm not sure. I don't actually know if it was that third party that did it. Honestly, I'd believe that he did it to himself most of all"

5:39 PM

"But... I think someone was involved. Someone who really doesnt want us to know they were there. Call it intuition, I don't know."

5:41 PM

"I'm sure it's not Carolyn or any Edlightenment cronies, or any cops, although I have no doubt theyre connected."

5:42 PM

It's not snowing. Why is it so cold?

5:49 PM

"Be careful, Detective. There's something weird about this case. More then just Carolyn."

"There’s nothing weirder than Carolyn, believe me."

This dude hasnt met Bob Smith

"Your partner... He ditched you, didn’t he?"

Shawn sighs "I don't know. While we were at Carolyn's place, he got all pissed and started tearing up the place. We got into an argument, and we split up while we were escaping"

5:53 PM

"I haven't seen him since. Looked all over the city, but..."

5:53 PM

"He won't pick up the phone"

"You go to his home?"

"I haven't, no. Not sure where that is, actually. He won't tell me"

5:56 PM

I hope he's not still mad at me

"I’ll let you access the police database. His address'll be somewhere on there."

"Really? Wow"

"I don’t exactly give a shit about the rules, admittedly."

"I'm glad"

5:59 PM

"Wouldn't puting his real name into the search bar like reveal his secret identity?"

"I’m not gonna look. If you don’t wanna risk it, you could ask some of his other friends. But I can’t exactly help on that front.”

"I'll take my chances"

"Good luck. But, in the spirit of not putting all my eggs in one basket, don’t make me wait too long. I doubt your real name's as hard to find as you think. I have plenty of ways to play this game."

"Gotcha."

6:06 PM

Shawn looks up Ray Elliot in the police database

This is not a thing that can be accessed from here. It is at the police station.

Ah ok

6:08 PM

"Admittedly, I'm very nervous about showing my face at a police station"

6:08 PM

"Or. not my face. My mask. Whatever"

"Honestly, wearing this kind of costume is a pretty shocking idea as is."

"Its a little weird, yeah. Cheap looking. But I wouldn't trade it for anything"

6:11 PM

"Half of being a hero is iconography, right?"

"You ever consider wearing something under it? Ski mask, that kinda thing?"

"I feel like it'd get too hot. But yeah, I'll look into it"

((Saturday))

"If you say so." Howard.

“So then… what’s the plan”

3:06 PM

“Walking right into the police headquarters feels like a bad idea”

"Why would it be?"

"You said it yourself. Police have a warrent for me, right?"

3:19 PM

"Even if they don't try to arrest me on the spot, it probably wouldn't be good for your reputation"

"I never said anything like that. Its my case. It’s my choice who I arrest and who I don’t. Simple as that."

"I guess so. Still, you don't think its dangerous? I'm a vigilante, yknow"

"End of the day, it’s your choice. I just didn’t assume amateurs playing in plastic costumes were scared of a little risk."

Asshole

3:29 PM

Shawn is silent for a few seconds

3:34 PM

"I hope you can understand why I'm a little hesitant. You've said yourself that you don't trust the higherups of this city. Walking into a building full of people working for them and expecting to just walk out no-questions-asked is a big ask"

3:35 PM

"I can come with you, but I want some kind of assurance that I'll be okay getting out of there. Being locked in there sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen"

3:36 PM

"Also, its NOT plastic"

"Heh." He smirked.

3:39 PM

"Sorry, but I don't give out assurance. I'm an honest man."

"So your plan is to take a vigilante, a prime suspect for a murder, and just walk him into the central police database?"

3:42 PM

"I'm up for it, I guess. My question is mostly why are you? What do you get out of this?"

He sighed. "I've got a personal stake in arresting this conspiracy. Plus it looks good in a biography."

"That's a goal I can get behind"

3:45 PM

A personal stake worth this? I wonder what his deal is

3:46 PM

"Lets go, then."

3:48 PM

"Oh, one more thing. Can I get your phone number? Just incase I ever need to contact you"

3:49 PM

"I dont want to register you to my actual phone, so I'll just write it down and then I'll call you from a burner" (edited)

He started off towards the police station, giving out his phone number.

Shawn follows behind him

3:52 PM

"Hey, does my mask cover my face well?"

"If it didn't I assume you'd be dead by now."

"Hah"

3:54 PM

Shawn laughs but hes kinda put off by that

They arrived at the police station, and Howard headed in through a back door.

Shawn followed, trying to stay out of sight

3:56 PM

Right... This is where.... (edited)

3:57 PM

Him....

3:57 PM

Shawn shivers for a second. It's cold again

Howard went down a few corridors, before arriving at a door labelled "Database".

"Is this the place?"

"Go on in." He unlocked the door.

Shawn enters

4:00 PM

Before he goes through

4:00 PM

Shawn says to Howard

There's a bunch of files laying around, with a big computer taking up most of the room.

Shawn Duveldt

Shawn says to Howard

"I'm going to trust you, Mr. Scott. Please don't let me down"

4:01 PM

Shawn goes to the central computer

Shawn now has access to the police database.

No password or anything

4:02 PM

Wow

4:02 PM

Shawn searches the name "Ray Elliot"

Not much on him. He has an apartment in this city.

Shawn takes not of his appartment name

4:37 PM

While I'm here...

4:37 PM

Shawn searches the name "Lelouch Maoziwam"

There's some info on a drunk driving accident, of which she was one of the victims. Her address is also listed. That's it.

Is there any info Shawn doesn't know already from his internet reaserch?

None.

Odd

4:41 PM

Shawn searches the name "Bob Smith" (edited)

No results.

What? Weird

4:43 PM

Does that mean Bob Smith is a pseudonym?

4:44 PM

Shawn searches the name "Mats Rumen"

There's info about his crime, and his murder investigation.

...

4:47 PM

What do they say?

Not much new information. The main suspects in the latter are listed as Dana Craig and Jeff Johnner.

Johnner?

4:48 PM

Shawn searches Jeff Johnner

An uncountable amount of results appear.

Woah

4:49 PM

The cops are really after this guy huh

4:50 PM

Shawn sorta skims over it

He's the main suspect in many crimes, but has never been proven guilty in any of them. He is however clearly listed as the second in command of the Avengard mob.

Does it list the first in command?

Unknown.

Hmph

4:54 PM

Do any of these results mention the Edlightment

None.

Shawn searches the name Wilford Duveldt

He exists and your house is listed. Nothing else.

Thank god

4:59 PM

Shawn searches the name Dana Craig

Dana Craig is a suspect in the murder of Marco Gould, the murder of Mats Rumen, and the murder of Gus Amon. She is also a person of interest in the murder of Michelle. Her address is additionally listed.

((does))

5:02 PM

((does Michelle not have a last name))

((This is an extended gag to let me complain that someone gave me a contextless name with no last name))

((Lmfao okay))

((She has a name in-universe. You're just not allowed to know it OOC))

((thats amazing))

5:05 PM

Four murders? And at least two of them I'm invovled in (edited)

5:05 PM

Shawn searches Marco Gould

Marco Gould is a previously convicted mafia officer. After robbing a convenience store at gunpoint and shooting Dana Craig several times, he suspiciously committed suicide.

Suspiciously? What does that mean?

Shooting yourself in the middle of an alleyway after committing a robbery and not delivering the money is considered rather strange.

That is odd, yeah

5:12 PM

Shawn searches Gus Amon

There is a ridiculous amount of results. This is what happens when you are detective.

Shawn looks mostly for things related to his murder, to Blythe, and to the Edlightment

Nothing new.

5:13 PM

There's a knock on the door. "You done yet?"

"Just one sec!"

5:14 PM

Shawn searches one last name: Shawn Duveldt

Nothing except your address.

Shawn clears the recent search history and exits the room

5:31 PM

Thank god

"You done?" Howard stands next to the door.

"I got everything I needed, yeah. Let's get out of here"

"You want me to come? I'd assumed you seeing the other one would be a private thing."

"Yeah, I'll head over to him in a bit"

5:58 PM

"I do have one more question before we split up. What do you get out of this? Why give me this info?"

"Because I get more use out of the duo."

"Makes sense, I guess. Maybe that's also why I'm working with you"

6:00 PM

"But I'm interested in seeing justice done. I hope you are too"

"...Heh." He left.

Shawn leaves too

Where to next?

Shawn gets a good distance away from the police station, changes into his civilian outfit, and heads to Kites house

Shawn arrived in front of the shittiest apartment building he’s ever seen. Kite is on one of the higher floors.

Shawn stands in front of the door for a second

2:25 PM

Before he touched the doorknob, he turns around and walks towards the nearest convenience store

There is one nearby.

Shawn buys a very large bag of m&ms

2:34 PM

and puts it in his backpack

This happens.

Shawn goes to the door of Kites complex. He shudders for a second, hesitating, before opening the door and heading to his place

When Shawn approaches the door, he starts to make out what is clearly the Masquerade 5 OST coming from inside.

Is he playing MV?

2:51 PM

But... that does mean he's there, right? Thank god

2:52 PM

But... how am I supposed to talk to him?

2:52 PM

Shawn swallows his fear, and knocks on the door

No response.

Shawn knocks louder

"I told you I'd pay next week! Leave me alone!" Kite yelled out from inside.

"Kite, it's Shawn. I just wanted to talk."

No response.

"Listen man I'm-"

2:58 PM

Shawn hits his head on the door and holds onto it

2:59 PM

"I'm sorry, okay. I am. Everythingwas so emotional I didn't know what to do and"

2:59 PM

"I was so worried after I couldn't find you, man. Please, just..."

3:00 PM

Shawn's voice is shakey

The lock clicks, and Kite slowly opens the door. He doesn’t have any of his usual confidence, his expression instead clearly showing a lack of sleep. "…Hey, Shawn."

Shawn kinda stumbles forward (he was holding his head on the door)

3:03 PM

He picks himself up

3:03 PM

"H-hey, Kite"

Kite goes back into the apartment silently. The place is incredibly filthy and poorly maintained.

Shawn kinda follows behind, careful not to step on anything

3:06 PM

"Oh uh"

3:06 PM

He pulls out the candy

3:06 PM

"I brought you this"

Kite immediately throws a punch at Shawn.

Shawn drops the candy

It hits.

Shawn stumbles back a few feet

3:08 PM

Shawn yells in suprise

3:08 PM

"Fuck, agh"

3:08 PM

Shawn holds onto a nearby table for support

3:08 PM

"Kite, please, I just want to talk"

"I don’t wanna talk!" He threw another punch.

Shawn stumbles back again

3:11 PM

"Please, man..."

3:11 PM

"I don't want to fight."

"Huh!? What kind of hero doesn’t want to fight!? I thought we were bros, fighting criminals! What happened to that, huh? You gonna just talk down Carolyn?"

"No... I mean..."

3:15 PM

"We're partners, man! We're the Advent Guard! We shouldn't be... fighting like this"

"Well, I wanna fight! If I can’t hit her or that stupid dog I’m gonna hit someone!" He threw another punch. "You gonna betray me again, Shawn!?"

"You're... I didn't..."

3:18 PM

Shawn's crying at this point

He doesn’t respond, continuing the assault.

Shawn is struggling to keep himself upright

"Come on, fight back!" Kite pushes him out onto the frail balcony.

"Are you crazy? You're gonna..."

3:23 PM

"Kite..."

He’s still punching.

Shawn is trying his best to block now

((Roll))

((17))

The punches and blocks are about equal.

"Kite... I didn't want to betray you... I didn't mean to..."

3:30 PM

"I was worried about us... Our saftey..."

"If you aren't betraying me, then why're you blocking, huh!? Only villains fight a hero like me! That's what keeps life simple!" He's not stopping.

"I'm not fighting you!"

3:32 PM

Shawn breaks off and moves to the side, out of Kite's immidiete reach

Kite tries to stop him. ((Roll))

((14))

3:35 PM

"The longer we stayed there, the higher the chance was that we'd be accused of that" (edited)

3:35 PM

"I know you want to get Carolyn but that wasn't the way!"

"Shut up! What are the cops gonna do to me!? I'm a hero, like Joker! I'll make it out just fine!"

"You've played the game, right!? You saw what happens in the opening chapter!?"

4:14 PM

"I know that you're mad. I want to go after Carolyn as much as you do. But we can't just..."

4:15 PM

"There's something wrong, Kite. Something I need you for. I can't do this without you. Please"

He tackles Shawn. "Stop trying to talk your way outta this!"

"Get off me!"

"Shut up!"

Shawn struggles to get Kite off

((Roll))

((10))

Kite is pushed off.

"I came back for you after I left! I was so worried!"

4:27 PM

"Ive spent the last 24 hours searching this whole city for you!"

"I didn't wanna see you!"

"I do!"

4:29 PM

"We're heros, Kite. We fight criminals, not eachother!"

"You're not a hero! You gave up! I kept fighting!" He tries to punch Shawn again.

"I gave up?!"

4:32 PM

"Youre the one who has been sitting in your room hiding. Ive gone through the police headquarters! Confronted the Edlightment! Found your greatest enemy!"

4:32 PM

"I'm still fighting. I'm not going to stop. But I can't keep going without you!"

"I'M NOT HIDING!" Kite struck Shawn hard in the face, causing both to topple over. "I'm strong!" Another punch "Strong enough to beat you!" Another punch "Strong enough to beat Carolyn!" Another punch "Strong enough to beat Lelouch!" Another punch "I'm..." Another punch "Strong enought.." Another punch "... to beat anyone! Stop doubting me just because you could go all the way! You're not better than me! I won't let you be better than me!" Another punch At this point, Shawn is just barely conscious. Kite gets off of him slowly.

"You.... you are better then me, Kite...... That's why... I need you..."

Kite grabs the crowbar and holds it over Shawn.

"Please...."

"..." He takes a deep breath.

A failure. I'll die a failure

4:43 PM

At least it'll be him

4:44 PM

I should've fought back. Maybe.

4:44 PM

I could never hurt him, though.

4:45 PM

Too late for that, idiot, he's already hurt

"...Dammit." He tosses the crowbar aside, and lies down next to Shawn.

"heh"

4:47 PM

Shawn pauses in silence for a minute, trying to catch his breath (edited)

Kite forces on a big smile. "Hah! After all that, I feel much better! Guess making it clear who's best can do a lot, huh?"

Shawn looks over att him and kinda forces a smile, roughly (his face hurts too much)

4:51 PM

"I missed you, man"

"You know, bro? I'm starting to think we got used."

"By Ehn?"

4:52 PM

"Or... the Edlightment?"

4:53 PM

Shawn's breathng is still extremly rough. He's not about to black out, though

He goes silent for a moment, before yelling. "Damn, it I don't care! Ehn, my family, everyone- Who gives a shit? Any of them could be evil. All I know is from now on, I'm living only for myself! Ain't that right, bro?" He gives Shawn a thumbs up.

Shawn tries to give him a thumbs up back, but his arm is very slow, and his hand hurts too much for him to close it into a fist. It resembles a thumbs-up enough to pass, though

"Damn right!"

"Haha, yeah..."

5:01 PM

"..."

5:01 PM

"Hey Kite..."

The smile fades as he stares at the ceiling for a moment. "Yeah?"

Shawn stares into the middle distance

5:03 PM

"A lot of people have hurt you... And who knows who else is out there..."

5:04 PM

"But... I just want you to know.... I will never hurt you. Not intentionally."

5:04 PM

"I came here... because I wanted you to forgive me. If this is what it takes, I can accept that, I guess."

5:05 PM

"I just wanted my bro back, yknow."

5:05 PM

"I won't betray you again. I'll do my best to make sure of that"

"...Yeah." He put up the smiling façade once again, and wrapped him arm around Shawn's shoulder. "From now on, I'm Bro #1 you're Bro #2."

"

" (edited)

5:11 PM

Shawn reaches over and grabs his bag of M&Ms. he opens it and puts it between the two of them

"...It was kinda lonely without you." His voice became somewhat frail. "...Lelouch isn't supposed to have more people than me."

Shawn looks over and smiles

5:14 PM

"Well I'm back now, right!? We'll kick her ass together."

5:14 PM

"I tried to do the whole hero thing without you. I don't think it went super well."

5:15 PM

"You never really realize how much you miss someone until theyre not around, I guess"

"Yeah..." He looked off to the dusty master bedroom.

Let's change the subject (edited)

5:17 PM

"I saw Lelouch while I was out, actually." Shawn shoves some M&Ms in his mouth "I think I get what you mean when you said she was evil" (edited)

5:18 PM

"Dunno what it is. Just like... Thinking about her feels weird. Really gross, for some reason"

"Yeah, I get it. She's basically evil incarnate. Why's a girl like her get to be so lucky? Shouldn't she be like... In the kitchen? Parentless. With no friends." He took an M&M and stared at it for a bit. "Sometimes life just isn't fair. But I guess that's why you need heroes like us, huh?."

"I think shes halfway parentless already"

5:23 PM

"Something tells me she buys all her friends, too"

"Yeah! Girls just don't have the same bonds as us men!" Kite gives a playful punch, but the previous fighting makes it sting more than it should.

"So true so true"

He points at the old TV, which is currently playing Masquerade V. Onscreen is the full complete party. "You think we'll ever get that many people? We'd be famous."

"I don't know. Is there anyone else really willing to join us?"

5:31 PM

"I'd be up for it, though. Our own Masquerade Thieves..."

5:32 PM

"You think we'll be famous one day?"

"What's the point if we aren't? Any old idiot can stop a few criminals. Maybe even Lelouch." That last part upset him for a moment. "Alright, you know what? This is an oath! Let's swear that one day the whole world will know the name of Advent Guard!" (edited)

"You're right..."

5:37 PM

Shawn looked at the image of the Masquerade Thieves on the TV Screen

5:39 PM

"It's like... We can stop crime, yeah... But it's not until people know us do we really start preventing them..."

5:39 PM

"Yeah, let's do it."

5:41 PM

"Yknow... back in my old school... I worried a lot about that. Being a nobody forever. I think we can actually, yknow, be someone. Become something"

"But now you got me! That's more than most people get in their lives, y'know?"

"Haha, yeah!"

5:59 PM

Shawn smiles weakless

5:59 PM

"Advent Guard against the world!'

"Advent Guard against the world!" He parroted.

Shawn reaches for a fist bump

He fistbumps back.

"Ow" shawn says quietly

"Just from now on, could you uh… Not come here?"

"..."

6:03 PM

"Only if you promise to pick up when I call you"

6:04 PM

"If I lose you again... I am going to come back here, probably"

6:04 PM

"But let's just try to make sure that doesnt happen. I'll stay away, sure"

"Thanks, bro!"

6:06 PM

"But I guess you can’t go home like this tonight, huh? That’s the difficult life of a superhero."

"Yeah... wouldn't want my parents seeing me like this, probably"

6:07 PM

Shawn thinks about the cafe

6:07 PM

"I doubt my dad wants to talk to me at all, really"

"…" He stares at the ceiling for a bit. "Who cares what your dad wants!? All you need is me, right?"

"Yeah, that's what I'm saying!"

6:09 PM

Shawn looks away to hide his kinda red face

6:09 PM

"Is it alright if I stay the night?"

He thinks it over for a bit. "…Yeah. Just be careful, I wasn’t exactly taught how to clean a bed."

"Yeah, it's all good"

6:14 PM

"I've done my own chores since I was like 10. I'll manage, probably"

6:15 PM

Shawn eats more M&Ms

"Great, you can be my maid then!"

6:16 PM

"…Just kidding. I’d feel a little bad if a maid were someone I knew. That stuff's demeaning. Way below us heroes!"

Shawn looks around

6:19 PM

“Does seem like you could use one, though”

Ehn/PC

"Great, you can be my maid then!"

“Ha, no way!”

Shawn Duveldt

“Does seem like you could use one, though”

He cringes at this comment.

6:24 PM

"Let’s talk about something more fun. More heroic! Like spreading Advent Guard’s good name!"

Shawn slowly gets up and climbs onto the couch

6:25 PM

"You playing MV?"

6:25 PM

"Which palace is this?"

"Oh, I was just… Replaying some scenes. No specific palace."

"Well, I don't care too much. Love this game"

6:29 PM

"Which ones your favorite. Palace I mean"

"Oh, uh… I didn’t really pay attention to that. Futaba's, I guess. It’s more about the confidants you know?”

"Hers is awesome, yeah"

"Think we should get our own Futaba? That Maria girl was kinda lame, but she could probably fit the waifu role. I don’t know any other women."

"Waifu? I always saw her more of like a... a little sister character I guess. But yeah, maybe"

6:54 PM

"I don't know. Women are so much, yknow. Every time i talk to one it's always so much drama."

6:55 PM

"Like Sophie was screaming while I was trying to learn about the crime from Sam. And Lelouch and Jade are... they're just weird, I don't know."

6:55 PM

"Who else is there. That one Edlightment girl?"

He forcibly skips over the mention of the edlightenment girl. "Isn't the point of a waifu to get some girls in your life? Doesn't matter if she's like a little sister, it's just about giving us guys the ladies we deserve!"

"I guess I can get that, yeah"

7:03 PM

"I dunno. Haven't really found anyone in this game like that."

7:03 PM

"Sae, I guess. Even then..."

"Don't you want a girl in your life? I mean, obviously not a big part of it. That's reserved for us bros. But like... I dunno... Having a hot mom like Kawakami sounds pretty great."

"Yeah, obviously. Or, well. Yeah, it'd be nice."

7:33 PM

"I dunno. It's weird to think about"

"Is it?"

"Whatever. I wanna play something. What games do you have?"

"Oh, uh... Just Masquerade. I have to keep most of my inheritance for tuition. That school's expensive as hell."

"Good pick!"

7:37 PM

"I have other stuff at home, I can bring it here if..."

7:37 PM

"Oh right."

7:37 PM

"Well, whatever"

7:38 PM

What time is it rn

Late evening.

"God, I'm starving. Had like 1 donut today"

7:41 PM

"I have some money. Can I like order a pizza or something"

"You had this candy, too."

"Yeah, true"

7:41 PM

"Still, though. Do you want anything?"

"...I'll pass. I don't need anyone else's money to live my life."

"Hey, cmon, man. We're partners, right. It's basically our money"

"I don't need your money! You rely on me, not the other way around! You got that?"

"O-okay"

7:45 PM

"Well, I wanna eat something. You got anything around the house?"

"Nah. You can order your pizza, I'm just not gonna eat."

"Okay"

7:47 PM

Shawn orders the pizza.

7:47 PM

He also makes sure to pay and tip ahead of time so that he doesnt have to greet the pizza guy at the door

Kite mutters some annoyed words about 'rich kids'.

7:54 PM

Eventually the pizza arrives.

Shawn acquires the pizza this happens

7:55 PM

Shawn eats Pizza

Kite tries to ignore him eating the pizza. "...Is it good?"

“It’s pizza, yknow”

"It's a question, jeez."

“Didn’t mean to be rude, sorry”

7:59 PM

“I just meant like. Once you’ve had it once, you kinda know what it all tastes like.”

8:00 PM

“It’s comforting tho. It’s like comfort food”

8:00 PM

“So, good. Yeah”

He stares at it. "The hell's a comfort food?"

“It’s like…”

8:01 PM

“Hm…”

8:02 PM

“It’s like a food that reminds you of a time that you were comfortable, I think”

8:02 PM

“Like something nostalgic”

8:02 PM

“It’s like something that tastes good but in a way that makes you think about other good things”

"Sounds dumb. I don't remember anything from that long ago."

Shawn pauses for a few seconds

8:03 PM

“Sorry, man…”

"Don't go pitying me!"

8:04 PM

"I pity you, if anything. That's the deal!"

Shawns eyes light for a sec before calming down

8:04 PM

“Hey, there’s always time to make new memories, right?” (edited)

8:04 PM

“Things youll look back on in the future and feel nostalgic about”

"Like what?"

“Well…”

8:05 PM

“This, I guess. Me. I’m happy right now, I think”

"Well, it's hard not to be when you've got a cool guy like me around." He grabbed a slice of pizza. "I guess I can do this for you."

Shawn is visibly very happy but doesn’t say anything

8:07 PM

they eat pizza together

He takes a bite. "It's nice enough."

“Yeah see, you get it”

8:10 PM

“It’s pizza, yknow?” (edited)

8:10 PM

Wholesome ShawnKite Pizza Dinner ensues

He finishes his pizza. "...If we ever get split up, you can just eat that to remember me now. You're welcome, bro." He smirked.

“Same goes for you!” (edited)

8:13 PM

Shawn smiled (edited)

"Pssh, I don't need pizza to remember anything. My life, I live it big and boldly. No place for nostalgia."

“Hey, just because you’re a hero doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to enjoy your life”

"Being a hero IS the part of my life that's fun. If you took that away, there'd be nothing left for me."

“I feel that, yeah” Shawn takes another bite of his pizza

8:20 PM

Although a lot of times, it feels like more of a headache

8:20 PM

Wouldn’t give up the world for it, though

"Who needs more, anyway? I'm not gonna live my life in some crappy excuse for a fantasy like Lelouch. The struggle for good's what makes life work!"

“Yeah, true”

8:23 PM

“Still tho, Kite. We’re heros so we can get Justice done right? But that doesn’t leave much time for us”

8:23 PM

“I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing to just like… try to enjoy life a little bit”

He rolled his eyes. "I'm getting tired."

“Yeah, I’m exhausted. Where can I sleep?”

"Uh..." He looks around. There are only 2 bedrooms, the master bedroom clearly not having been opened in some time. "Does the couch work?"

Shawn can tell the master bedroom has some sediment value to Kite. Probably hasn’t been touched in years.

8:28 PM

“Yeah, that’s fine. You got any extra blankets?”

"Hm." He poked his head into a nearby closet, and dug around.

Shawn puts the remaining pizza in the fridge

He pulled out a few old blankets, and blew a thick layer of dust off them. Then he unceremoniously dropped them on the couch.

Shawn airs them out a bit, and tells Kite “okay, I’m gonna head to bed”

"Night."

Shawn lies down on the couch. It hurts a decent bit, but he finds a comfortable position

8:40 PM

he pulls the blanket over himself

Kite stares at him awkwardly for a bit, before retreating to his own room.

“Night, Kite”

8:41 PM

Shawn goes to bed yup

((The chapter ends))

((No session this week))

((Oki))

((Saturday))

((

))

Shawn is standing in a hallway.

“…”

2:53 PM

Is this the same place as before?

"Come on, bro! What are you standing around for?" Behind him, Kite stands amid the mountain of Mats Rumen corpses.

“Kite… there you are…”

2:56 PM

Shawn smiles

"Of course I'm here, bro! We're a team, right?"

“Haha, yeah!!!”

3:01 PM

Looking at Kite hurts. His body aches

3:02 PM

Like a bright light

"Come on, let's keep moving! We'll clear this palace in no time flat!"

Shawn follows

Kite ran down the hall, taking down all of the enemies on his way with swift hits of the crowbar.

Shawn does the same

They arrive at the bossfight of the palace. Lelouch Maoziwam stands there.

“Oh shit”

3:38 PM

Shawn readies his knife

"Me and my bro, we're taking you down!" Kite. "Do you think you can try?" Lelouch.

“We can do anything, as long as we’re together!”

"Damn straight!" Kite. "Ewww.... Men." Lelouch.

((SHE SAYS THIS))

3:56 PM

“Kite, let’s do this!” Shawn tried to coordinate a joint attack on Lelouch with Kite

"Yeah! Let's score a victory for all men!" Kite.

Shawn fights the Lelouch

4:20 PM

A battle of epic proportions ensures

"Morning, bro!" Shawn is suddenly awoken by Kite shaking him awake.

“Hey, man” Shawn is groggy

"You feeling alright?"

“Better then yesterday, hah”

4:30 PM

“What about you?”

"I’m great! Ready to beat down any criminals we see!" Kite.

4:37 PM

Shawn’s phone starts ringing. Kite grabs it.

“Hey, that’s mine…”

4:38 PM

“Let me pick up…

"Alright." He tosses it over to Shawn.

Shawn checks who called him

It’s an unknown number.

“Hmph”

4:55 PM

“Unknown number. Think I should pick up?”

"Who’s got your number?"

"Dunno. Don't think I've given it out."

5:04 PM

"There was this guy yesterday... Oh, but I got his number, not the other way around"

5:04 PM

"Whatever I'm gonna pick it up"

5:04 PM

Could be my parents...

5:04 PM

Shawn picks up

It’s Lelouch.

Shawn hangs up

5:17 PM

“I’m not….”

5:18 PM

How does she have my number. I blocked her contact.… I…

5:18 PM

Shawn clutches his head

"What’s wrong, bro?"

“It’s her”

"Like, Lelouch?"

“Yeah…”

5:23 PM

“Listen, I… something happened 2 days ago. With Lelouch”

5:23 PM

“I… it’s hard to describe what it was. But…”

"Give me the phone, bro."

Shawn gives Kite the phone

5:26 PM

“Be careful. Please”

He immediately calls back.

Shawn does his best to plug his ears

5:27 PM

“No no no no no no no” he repeats that over and over quietly to himself

"Hey! Lelouch! What the hell are you doing to my bro!"

5:35 PM

"Huh?"

5:38 PM

"Uh, it's not Lelouch. Some chick says she's a receptionist or something."

“Kite, that’s Lelouch”

5:39 PM

“I promise you”

5:40 PM

“Kite get off the phone with her please”

"I trust my bro! If he says you're Lelouch, you're Lelouch!" Kite.

What does she want!! Why is she calling me!!! Leave me alone Lelouch!!!!!! (edited)

"Oh yeah, then why do you want to talk to my bro?"

It’s so cold. Shawn pulls the blankets over himself but it doesn’t help, he’s too cold

5:52 PM

He feels his arms. They’re normal temperature. The rest of him is normal too. But… he can’t stop shivering

"Lelouch said that about me, huh? Well, I guess a villain would recognize how heroic her opponent is. Best seat in the house for that, y'know?"

Gotta love Kite.

"Yeah, sure. Tell me what’s up. I’ll decide if a hero needs to swoop in."

"Dont listen to her...."

6:18 PM

"Kite, she's evil..."

"So it's just Lelouch and her friends, right?"

6:30 PM

"Serves them right for hanging out with a loser like Lelouch. Everyone knows Advent Guard's where it's at!" He hung up.

"What did they want?"

"They wanted us to save Lelouch and her friends from some kidnapping. We've got better things to do than that, right bro?"

"Kidnapping?"

6:32 PM

"Wait, who are the kidnappers?"

"Eh, I dunno, something about gas. They can figure it out on their own."

((GAS TRICK??))

6:35 PM

"What I mean is more..."

6:35 PM

"If it's the white suit guys, then its probably good,right?"

6:36 PM

"We made the mistake of stopping them last time. I'm sure wherever theyre taking Lelouch is somewhere she should be"

6:36 PM

"So yeah. I don't want to deal with that."

"Wait, are the white suit guys good or bad? I'm losin' track! Aaaaagh, why's life gotta be so complicated? Let's just live it simple!"

"White suit guys are... confusing"

6:37 PM

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. I ran into one yesterday"

6:37 PM

"While looking for you, I tried to meet up with Bob Smith. Yknow, that suspicious youtuber?"

6:38 PM

"But when I got there, there was a bomb under the store counter! I nearly died!"

6:39 PM

"I got out of there unharmed and changed into costume. There was this guy with a white suit standing nearby with his brother, who i think owned the store? I didn't hear much of their conversation but"

6:40 PM

"Oh and then like. While I was trying to sneak up on them, I got like reinhart charged!"

6:40 PM

"I ended up in a whole hostage showdown with them but i got out okay"

6:40 PM

Shawn's really hyped up on adreneline

"Huh, cool. I bet it would've gone way better if I were there, but doesn't everything?"

"I wish you were!"

6:42 PM

"Honestly that's what I was thinking the whole time"

6:43 PM

"Anyway uh. The weird thing is like. The white suit guy there seemed totally unaware of our powers. Like he didn't know how they worked and he didn't know how we got them. I lied to him about it but"

6:44 PM

"Is there like 2 factions of white suit guys?"

6:44 PM

"I guess the edlightment and the new edlightment..."

"Just stop talking about the Edlightenment! The one I knew died years ago! The new one ain't my family, it's just a fake!"

"Sorry!"

6:46 PM

"What I mean is like..."

6:46 PM

"remember that girl? The one who told us about Carolyn?"

6:47 PM

"Shes a white suit, but for some reason, she knows more information then the white suit guy by the pier I met"

6:48 PM

"That reminds me actually... I have a theory. What if that girl set us up? She knew you would get mad about Carolyn, and would rush to her appartment. Maybe she also knew that Gus was dead? Then, when the cops arrived, they would have suspected us for the murder"

6:52 PM

"Its possible but I think we can't say for sure"

"Yeah... I kinda figured that too..."

6:53 PM

"But enough about them! We should probably go see your parents so they don't worry."

"That's a good idea, probably"

6:54 PM

"Actually..."

6:55 PM

"It's fine. They won't worry about me anyway"

6:55 PM

"Plus like. I don't think I wanna talk directly to them until I'm... feeling better"

"Huh? What the hell do you mean they won't worry? Aren't you their kid? You're not just pitying me, right?"

Shawn lies back a bit

6:58 PM

"I don't know, yeah. They're just so busy all the time, and whenever theyre not working, theyre doing anything but talking to me"

6:58 PM

"Can't remember the last time I've had a real genuine conversation with them"

7:00 PM

"I dunno. I just don't like dealing with them"

"That doesn't make any sense... Your parents are alive! You should be grateful! They should be grateful!"

"I am grateful! I love them..."

7:03 PM

"I think they do too."

7:04 PM

"But our relationship is just. Weird I guess."

"That doesn't make sense! It's a parent's job to love their kids til they die!"

7:10 PM

"Nothing weird about it!"

"They do love me, I think. Just have an... unorthadox way of showing it"

7:14 PM

"Theyve done a lot for me."

"And if you dropped dead, they wouldn't care? Suddenly vanished without telling them? That's okay to them?"

"They'd care!"

7:16 PM

"It's just they trust me to look after myself."

7:18 PM

"I've had to do that for a while..."

"What are you talking about, bro? I'm the one looking after you! You aren't independent, you're Kitedependent!"

((wriufbwerwfcersdc))

7:30 PM

"Okay, but like. Still. You get what I mean."

7:31 PM

"I take care of myself BY letting you look after me. Yknow?"

"But... That shouldn't be how it works! I don't owe your parents a damn thing!"

7:33 PM

"I mean... It's not like I want you to abandon me too, but-"

"You don't owe them anything."

7:37 PM

"Listen, just ignore them. I'll handle them myself."

"But it's not fair!"

"..."

"Your parents do nothing and they get to live? What kind of bullshit world is that?"

"Yeah man, I dunno. World's unfair, I guess"

"Damn straight!"

"Ugh, let's just get to patrolling then... Hero time."

((Saturday))

"I mean, if you really wanna go see my parents, we can."

2:02 PM

"Just sounds like a hassle, I guess"

"Let’s just move on! Come on, patrolling time, bro!"

"Okay,okay"

2:11 PM

Shawn is still under his blanket

2:11 PM

Shawn gets up

2:11 PM

"Hey, does your shower work?"

"Yeah? Duh."

"Good. I'm going to go take a shower"

2:17 PM

Shawn's all sweaty. For some reason

"Uh, okay."

Shawn does this

2:26 PM

Well it depends on how disgusting Kite's bathroom is

It’s usable.

2:29 PM

Kite is waiting on the couch when Shawn is out.

"Hey, man"

"Hey, bro. You ready to go?"

"Yeah, just give me a sec"

2:34 PM

"Hey, do you want to get something to eat before we go?"

"Nah, I’m good."

"Alright"

2:37 PM

"What's the plan, then. Just wander around?"

"Let’s start in the alley. That’s routine, right?”

"Sure!"

2:39 PM

Shawn packs his bag, and waits for Kite to be ready

Kite is ready. He heads out the door, and runs down the stairs.

Shawn follows

Kite heads to the alleyway.

Shawn follows (again)

Kingsley is in the alleyway.

(Wait are we in costume)

((I’ll say yes))

((okay yeah))

2:47 PM

"You're that cop! Uhhh, Jimsly, right?"

"Johnathan Kingsley. It’s… Not that forgettable of a name, is it?" Kingsley looks hurt for some reason. "You gotta make it more anime! That’ll help it stick out!" Kite. "I’ll keep that in mind." Kingsley seems to be genuine.

"If you go with Jonathan Jimsley youll be closer to being a main character from that cool show with magic stands."

2:53 PM

"Or i guess youd have to go with Jonesly"

"Ah, but I like my family name. There’s a lot of meaning in where you came from." Kingsley. Kite makes a strange mixed expression.

Shawn makes a strange mixed expression as well (edited)

2:57 PM

Although neither of them know that theyre making these expressions (masks)

"Anyway, Detective Scott asked me to come get you 2."

"Scott? You're working with him?"

"Of course. Detective Scott is an inspiration to everyone in the force. I’m honoured to help him." Kingsley. (edited)

"Alright, then."

3:08 PM

If Scott sent for us... It's probably fine, right?

"Who’s he?" Kite.

"I met him yesterday. Cop, older guy."

3:10 PM

"Has a weird beard"

"Detective Scott is an admirable man. I can promise you that much. He aligns with your vision of a world protected beyond the law." Kingsley. "Isn’t that kinda weird to say as a cop?" Kite. "Well… I’m not very talented in politics. But Detective Scott's taught me enough to know that the law can bend to any individual's whim." Kingsley. Kite still seems suspicious.

"'A vision of a world protected beyond the law,' huh?"

3:15 PM

"Sounds more like the Advent Guard then the cops."

"Well, I can’t say Detective James doesn’t also make some good points, but she’s not involved right now." Kingsley. "…Huh. Well, okay. Let’s go, then! If he betrays us we’ll just beat him into the ground, right bro?" Kite.

"yeah!"

"I think Detective Scott would definitely defeat you. He’s not a man to be messed with." Kingsley. "Oh yeah, and who’s got this crowbar, huh!?" Kite. "Well- You, but… His mind could definitely make up for the power gap." Kingsley. "Me and my bro here have 2 brains between us! You think his measly 1 brain can beat that!?" Kite.

((I love this))

3:45 PM

"Detective Scott's got training, but there's no way he'll get through me. And he won't withstand one hit from Kite."

3:45 PM

"Even if he's the smartest guy in the world, he can't beat those facts"

"…Well, I’d like to believe in him anyway." Kingsley. "Shall we go?"

"Yeah, lets head off"

Kite gave a thumbs up. Kingsley lead the way to the police station.

:kitethumbsup:

3:49 PM

"Hey wait, the police station?"

3:49 PM

"Can you cops not pick a more inconspicious location?"

"What’s the point? We’re cops for a reason. No one’s going to do anything if we don’t." Kingsley enters. Kite follows.

"Still, though. We're vigilantes, yknow? How are you guys so not worried about this?"

"…I didn’t think to ask. Sorry." Kingsley.

"If something goes wrong, you better have our backs, Officer"

"Right. Of course." Kingsley arrived at the room Shawn had used yesterday. Howard Scott was inside.

Shawn steps inside

3:58 PM

"Hey, Scott."

"Morning. Is this your partner?" Howard. "I’m partner #1." Kite. "That’s crazy. So's Kingsley." Howard chuckles. Kite doesn’t get the joke.

"Yeah, I brought him today."

"Good. Unfortunately, my informants didn’t give me any solid leads. Turned out to be a pointless gamble, unfortunately." Howard looked over at a pair of sunglasses. "You 2 find out anything?"

"You want leads? On what, the Carolyn thing?"

"Carolyn’s connected to Jeff Johnner. If I get him in a courtroom, the entire domino tower crumbles down on Carolyn and her entourage." Howard. "Can’t we just go kill Carolyn?" Kite. "You could. But then the people she works for will get away Scott-free." The fact Howard made a pun isn’t really obvious to anyone except him.

"Wait, Jeff Johnner?"

4:13 PM

"I might have something for you, actually"

"Really?" Howard turns to him.

"This, uh, thing happened yesterday. Right before I met you."

4:16 PM

"Have you ever heard the name "Elusive Sentasaurus?""

"It’s come up once or twice." Howard.

"He's a youtuber of like moderate reknown."

4:20 PM

"But a few days ago, I found out that he actually assulted two people."

"Go on." Howard.

"Or wait no, I'm misremembering, sorry. A few days ago, Sentasarus and a girl were kidnapped by a different youtuber, Jackson Day." (edited)

4:30 PM

"They both managed to escape. I found out about it through the girl, but she wouldn't give more details. Kite and I tried to track down Sentasaurus to ask more questions about what happened"

4:31 PM

"Our plan was to approach him as fans in civilian outfits, asking for an interview"

4:32 PM

"He agreed to meet up yesterday, but since Kite wasn't with me, I had to do it alone."

4:33 PM

"But this is where it gets weirder. Sentasarus wanted to meet up at a place called Kerloe Fishery."

4:34 PM

"But when I got there, there was a bomb planted under the desk. I narrowly escaped"

4:34 PM

"This sounds crazy, I know, but if you go there now, there should be a smouldering wreck"

4:35 PM

"When I got outside, I saw 2 men standing near the explosion. One of them was in a white suit."

"You witnessed the Kerloe Fishery incident, huh?" Howard. "There was a man trying to work in the destroyed store this morning." Kingsley. "Capitalism really hits some of ‘em hard, huh?" Howard.

"Witnessed it? I was nearly a victim of it!"

4:38 PM

"But anyway, I got outside and quickly got into my vigilante outfit. I tried to overhear the conversation between the two guys, but they were too far away. Eventually, a truck pulled up."

4:39 PM

"This is a long story, I'll get to the point."

4:40 PM

"I eventually got into a confrontation with the two men and Sentasaurus. And during that interaction, the guy in the truck came out, and Sentasaurus called him Jeff Johnner"

4:43 PM

"The details are pretty fuzzy. But I think there's definitly some kind of connection between Johnner, the Kerloe incident, the white suits, and Sentasaurus"

"I can’t say any of that surprises me too much. But I don’t know how to use it." Howard sits back in thought. "Well, I’ve got a lead too." Kite speaks confidently. "Lelouch Maoziwam. She’s the real evil mastermind behind all this."

"The best lead you've got is Sentasaurus, I think. He's a wildcard, and he's definitly got connections." Shawn says "Oh, also Lelouch. She's evil."

"Shuichi Maoziwam’s kid? Isn’t she a little young to be pulling these schemes?" Howard. "Oh, you know women. They’re born into these kinds of evil schemes." Kite. "Congratulations on filling the misogyny quota, I suppose. Unfortunately, Sentasaurus is AWOL. No idea where he’s at. Try investigating this Lelouch lead then. I’ll let you know if I discover anything important." Howard.

“Wait, hang on…”

4:50 PM

“You need to be extremely careful around her.”

4:51 PM

“She’s dangerous. Extremely dangerous.”

"I’ll keep it in mind. But, you know… I’m a police detective, and she’s a little girl." Howard. "And I’ll be the one to take her down anyway." Kite.

“Trust me. We’re pretty new at this, but we’ve fought plenty of foes. Robbers, crazed guard, all sorts of villains. I even met a mob boss yesterday”

4:55 PM

“But Lelouch Maoziwam is the most dangerous one of them all”

"Damn right! That’s the problem with women!" Kite. "…Right." Howard. "Well, good luck then."

Shawn smiles at Kite

"Let’s go, bro!" Kite heads to the door.

“Listen, I know it sounds silly to be so afraid of a random girl, but you gotta be careful around here. I’m dead serious about this”

"Wait, take this." Howard takes out 2 earpieces. "Keep in contact."

“Thanks.”

5:01 PM

“I actually have a couple questions for you.”

"Go ahead." Howard.

“First off, what’s the actual connection beteeen the white suits and Johnner?”

"Unknown."

“Hmph”

5:04 PM

“Is there such thing as a New Edlightment?”

His face contorts into amusement. "Not that I’m aware of."

so they did set us up…. Probably…

"You coming, bro?" Kite.

“One more question”

5:08 PM

“What does Dana Craig have to do with the murder of Gus Amon”

This catches Howard offguard. "A pet theory. Just similarities in the case to Marco Gould's death."

“What do you mean by that?” (edited)

"Sudden inexplicable 'suicides'. They were coworkers too."

“Makes sense, yeah. Lots of weird stuff is happening in this city”

5:16 PM

“Im going to head out. If you’re going to investigate Lelouch, don’t get her attention. And especially don’t directly confront her until you’re 100% certain you can get her. Her weakness is cute girls”

5:16 PM

“Kite, let’s go”

"Finally!" Kite heads out of the station.

Shawn follows

"Alright, let’s go confront Lelouch! This’ll be a battle for the ages, right bro?"

“NO!”

5:25 PM

“Sorry, it’s just…”

"Hey! Don’t go backing down now! Advent Guard cowers before no one!"

"Listen, Kite. I... I dunno. I'm okay with the regular supervillain stuff, but like..."

5:37 PM

"Think about it this way. She's the final boss, right? Don't you want to save her for last?"

"I’m not gonna take her down yet, obviously. This is just gonna be our first fight. So let’s go!" Kite rushes off.

"Kite, please! Hang on!"

5:42 PM

Shawn rushes after him

5:42 PM

"Kite, I'll come with you, but I need to tell you something important!"

"Yeah, what’s that?"

"I..."

5:44 PM

"That girl Lelouch. She's a witch through and through. She's probably connected to the highest sources out there; the Maoziwams, the white suits, maybe even Ehn. No matter what happens, no mattr what she does to you or me or whatever..."

5:45 PM

"I'm your bro. I always will be. That's not going to change no matter what happens."

"Damn straight!" Kite gives a thumbs up. "I’m your bro too, bro!"

Shawn weakly gives a thumbs up

5:46 PM

"Just... Keep that in mind. Please."

5:46 PM

Oh god oh god oh god oh god

5:47 PM

"Also, one more thing."

5:47 PM

"Let's try to be stealthy this time."

"Stealth isn’t my kinda thing!" He immediately tears into the wall of a building with his crowbar. Inside are several people in white suits, all armed. "You ready, bro?"

"Akrejbfelrbfclaresfdbcdsckbawedsc"

5:49 PM

"Okay, let's go."

5:49 PM

Oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god

Kite rushes in and immediately breaks several people's legs with the crowbar.

Shawn shields kite from bullets and uses a chair to hit other guys

"Yeah, bro! Now this is the life of a superhero!" Kite breaks another guy's arm.

Shawn focuses less on hurting people and more on shielding Kite

"Heeeeeelp!" Jade's voice comes from a nearby room.

((Does that count as a command))

6:05 PM

((I guess I havent heard "what are your thoughts on cereal" yet)) so

6:06 PM

"Wait, Kite. I thought we were here to kill Lelouch. Why are we trying to save her?"

"We’re here to fight her, obviously!" Kite heads toward the yell.

"Okay, but right now, we're fighting her captors."

6:08 PM

"I feel like we should be like working with them"

"They’re probably working for her, bro! You wouldn’t get it!" He tears through the wall with his crowbar. Inside the room are Lelouch, Jade, and Maria all tied to chairs. The Girl is standing next to the door with a large gun.

hi

8:29 PM

"Kite? Kite!?"

Kite is pacing in a circle outside, swinging at thin air.

Shawn unplugs his ears

8:30 PM

"Kite, what are you doing? Lelouch is back in there!"

"Yeah, but she was like… Praising me. It was weird."

"Bro, who cares what she says! It's all poison, I told you"

8:32 PM

"She's just trying to drive us apart."

"Yeah, but like… We’re supposed to hate each other! Enemies for life! I wasn’t ready for her to admire me! My life… My life is shit, what’s there to admire? She’s the one with friends!"

Shawn pauses for a sec

8:33 PM

"Whatd she tell you?"

"Some stuff about how cool I am, and how cool we are… It was just weird. Beating her up now would’ve just… Felt like when we fought last night."

"..."

8:36 PM

"Listen, Kite. We're heros. It's what we are. No matter how nice that Lelouch is, she's a villain through and through."

8:37 PM

"You wanna know what Lelouch admires about you?"

Shawn Duveldt

"Listen, Kite. We're heros. It's what we are. No matter how nice that Lelouch is, she's a villain through and through."

"Yeah, you don’t need to tell me that, bro! Just…"

"it's that, unlike her, you have a real friendship. A real, deep, meaningful one. All of her friends, all of her relationships, are skin-deep."

8:38 PM

"That's what she envies about you. Thats what she admires."

8:39 PM

"No matter how shit your life is, you'll always have that over hers."

He paces around some more. "Yeah, but… Fighting a fan’d just feel wrong."

Shawn pauses for a second, then thinks of a response that involves spoilers for Not Persona 5 "Kite, do you remember the character of Kero Agochi? He was one of the masquerade thieves's enemies, he was evil, but he envied them. He really desperatly wanted a friend group like the one they had. He was a fan of theirs, but his fanhood was based not in a desire to stop being evil, but a desire to have friends like they did. This is the same thing. Just cuz lelouch is a fan of ours doesn't make her any less deserving of Justice" (edited)

"But that’s just a video game! This is real life, bro!"

"It's an analogy. It's a similar situation."

"Yeah, but… What if I can’t live up to Joker, huh?"

Shawn grabs kite by the shoulders "It's all in the moment, man. Maybe you can, maybe you can't. But whats important is that you try. Make it as far as you can."

"Yeah, obviously, but… Well, this isn’t what I wanted out of fighting Lelouch. We’re not getting any of the awesome hero/villain combat, and I just can’t get myself to hate her anymore. It’s like all the effort I put into hating her's gone to nothing. I’ve ruined the whole point of living to hate her."

"..."

9:15 PM

"Well, I dunno. I still hate her a lot. She can be my mortal enemy maybe"

9:15 PM

"We can swap. Whos my mortal enemy right now? Uhhh i guess that guy on the pier? Sure him."

"But I don’t wanna swap… I want to go back to when being a hero and fighting crime was fun. Before you came in here, I guess…"

Shawn is silent

9:29 PM

"I- You- I-"

"I’m just not the kinda guy where things are supposed to go well for. Everything sucks, that’s what makes fighting back worth it! But now you’re here, and I dunno- I never thought I’d make it tbid far again. And now Lelouch is jealous of me? It’s like… What is this fantasy world? When’d I start living the life of a different Kite?"

"..."

9:35 PM

"Is this not a better life? Are you not happier?"

9:35 PM

"You don't have to say no."

"Happier for what?"

"Like..."

9:36 PM

"Is your life now happier then it was before? With me in it versus without?"

"Yeah, but… Has you ever felt wrong for being happy? Like you didn’t deserve it, or you just don’t want it? It’s like… Being happy hurts more than misery…"

...

9:43 PM

Shawn doesn't really know how to respond

9:46 PM

"I... I dunno. Kite, we're heros to do justice, right?"

9:46 PM

"We're bringing justice to the world because it feels right. Because its feels good, down to our cores."

9:46 PM

"That's what being a hero is about, right?"

9:47 PM

"All I can tell you is that this good feeling, this happiness to be in the moment, that's a sign that... that things are going well. That we're doing good. And I know it can sometimes feel like its a happiness you dont deserve to have, but you do. You, more then anyone, deserve happiness."

He doesn’t respond for a while. "…Yeah. I guess I was a pretty crappy hero, huh? Fighting to fight instead of fighting to protect. Let’s just move on from this Lelouch thing. We can kill her and just move on. Just you and me to the end, right bro?"

Shawn beams "Till the end!"

Kite gives a thumbs up.

"Alright, let's head back in there and kick some ass!"

((End session))

((No session this week))

((No session this week(Because you're gone)))

((Sorry))

((No session))

((Saturday))

((woo))

Kite heads back into the building. "Lelooooouuuuch! It's time to kill you!"

It's been like two minutes but it feels like it's been weeks

2:08 PM

Shawn follows

"Don't make this hard! Heroes have a busy life, y'know?" Kite approached the room they'd been in earlier, before suddenly being struck in the head and falling over. This girl steps out from the shadows and aims her gun at Kite's head.

"Hey hey hey hey hey hey"

2:17 PM

"What!?"

"You're becoming annoying." The girl. "Hey, don't get in our way!" Kite tries to get up but she just pushes him down with her foot.

"What's your deal, lady? Are you protecting Lelouch or trying to kidnap her?"

2:21 PM

"You told us you were interested in justice. Dealing with her is justice, right?"

2:22 PM

Shawn stances ready to tackle her

"The justice you children idolize isn't justice." The girl. "Of course it is! Haven't you ever played masquerade V!?" Kite. "I don't play video games." The girl.

https://youtu.be/uZsCzFDQxQ8

john wazowski

Oh berdly, I only play mobile games.

2:30 PM

"And what do you know about justice? How is what you're doing making things right?"

2:30 PM

"You're not much older then us. Don't talk down to me!"

"You're a child in mentality. You have no concept of what 'justice' means."

Shawn knows he has higher priorities at the moment, but he's so pissed off by what this girl is saying that he ignores them

2:36 PM

"Justice is what justice is! Call me naive if you want but I think simply trying to make the world a better place one step at a time is enough to make me better then you! You set us up! We almost lost everything because of you! That's not justice!"

"The justice you speak of does not exist. Justice is a social construct, one referring simply to societally sanctioned revenge. There is no honor in justice. Merely who you pursue it for." The girl. "Quit talking like you're smart! We're on the side of real justice!" Kite.

"If my justice is just a social construct, yours is too! All we have to do is make enough people believe in the one that actually helps people, and we can make the world better!"

"You have not improved anything. Carolyn Blythe is still alive, and Gus Amon was killed by her hand. Now, you wish to kill a few teenagers for no apparent reason at all. What you call justice is not what benefits everyone, simply what benefits you." The girl. "We're heroes! That makes us good!" Kite. "Circular argument fallacy." The girl. "Well, I dunno what that means!" Kite yells confidently.

"We're getting to Carolyn! We don't know where she is but we're going to find her! And get rid of her too! Amon was a corrupt cop, he had it coming! And don't lecture me about your prisoners. I've seen firsthand what she can do. It's evil, down to the core."

2:52 PM

"I was given great power, that means I have a responsibility to protect everyone! I'm not doing this for myself! I'm not!"

"I know that. You're doing it for him, aren't you? I'm the same." The girl. "The hell does that mean!?" Kite.

"W-What?"

"At their core, people are driven by 1 simple thing. Love. They want to in turn be loved by those they love. That's why you follow him, isn't it?" The girl. "We're bros! Of course we stick together! It has nothin' to do with love or anything!" Kite.

Someone had taken a knife and stuck it directly into the back of Shawn's throat. At least, that what it felt like. There was this insane piercing sensation, one that completely took his breath away.

3:04 PM

"I-I-I..."

3:05 PM

"No, no you're wrong. I'm a hero, not... I'm doing this because I want to protect everyone. That includes him! But it's not just him!"

"Then if he's simply a small part of your motivation, I don't need him." The girl prepares to shoot. "Hey! Hey, wait!" Kite.

"NO!"

3:20 PM

Shawn tackles her

She shoots next to him. "Come any closer and I'll do it."

Shawn is seething

3:23 PM

"If you're doing this for love you'd understand why I need him! You're a monster!"

"I was making you honest. If you want him to live, you'll stop getting in our way."

"Don't pretend you're better then me!"

3:26 PM

aaaaaaaguh

3:27 PM

"We're both trying to do good here, right? Trying to make the world better!?"

"There's no such thing."

"There is better! There has to be."

3:28 PM

"We're doing you a favor by getting rid of Lelouch. If you keep her, she's going to make you eat your own intestines."

3:29 PM

Shawn is kinda flailing

"That's physically impossible." The girl. "I'll make you eat your own intestines!" Kite.

"I'm warning you. The things that girl can do to you are sicker then anything Carolyn has cooked up."

3:31 PM

Wait a second...

"I don't care."

I need to get Kite back. and I need to get rid of Lelouch. And i need to stop dealing with these guys

3:34 PM

"If you let him go, we can get out of here. But know that we didn't come here for you. We came for Lelouch. Make sure she never sees the light of day again. If that's not too much to ask."

3:36 PM

"I'm not interested in innocent people dying. I only go after the guilty."

"I don't care."

"I don't get you. You said you were the same as Kite. Lost your parents due to something someone else did. How can you not want any kind of justice?"

"I found a new one."

"Don't joke with me. If you were just content with how things are, you wouldn't be standing in front of me wearing a white suit."

3:41 PM

"Why are you doing this?"

"I just told you. I found a new father."

"So what, are you just someone's lapdog now?"

3:49 PM

"Is your love for your new father really enough for you to stop doing what you think is right?"

"I think he is right. Just as you believe this child is right."

"I don't believe jack shit. I know."

3:56 PM

"I'm doing what's right. I know that for sure."

3:56 PM

Shawns arm is visibly shaking

"Then choose. Your false sense of superiority, or your friend." The girl. "..." Kite.

"..."

4:04 PM

"I already made my choice. We're going to get out of here." "But you're wrong. There is evil in this world. And there is good. A better world is possible. If you've given up on that, you're gonna get whats coming to you."

"Good." She stepped off Kite and slowly backed away, keeping the gun aimed at him.

"Kite, get up."

"Yeah, yeah, you don't need to tell me, bro..." He got up and took his crowbar.

Shawn looked at The Girl from AG

4:11 PM

"This isn't over, you know! As long as there's shady shit in your organization, we're going to be on your tail!"

"I know where you live." She left.

"Free Sentasaurus!"

4:12 PM

Shawn left

((Left to where?))

Idk. Shawn walked in the other direction. He stopped caring

4:13 PM

Towards the hole in the wall

"Hey, bro! Where are you going?" Kite.

"I don't fucking know, not here?! We shouldn't have come here in the first place I told you that."

"But we have to deal with Lelouch!" Kite.

"Lelouch has already been kidnapped. If the New Edlightment or whatever wants to keep her, so be it."

4:18 PM

"Lelouch is going to cause problems for them in the future anyway. It's either they kill her, or she kills them. Two birds, one stone."

"But we're the heroes! We gotta do it ourselves!"

"We'll let them fight eachother, and then beat up whoever wins. It's less work for us."

4:21 PM

"I don't know I just don't want to fucking be here right now."

"What you want doesn't matter!"

"I- Fucking- I- I'm just-"

4:24 PM

"Kite, we're doing the right thing, right?"

"Of course!"

Shawn thought back to all the times before when he doubted Kite. When everything went wrong just because he doubted him.

4:27 PM

"Kite..."

"Yeah?"

Shawn hugged him

"Wh-" He froze up at the hug.

"Listen, man, I'm just... I'm just glad you're okay."

4:29 PM

"I... I was so scared I was going to lose you again."

"Tch... I'm basically immortal, bro." Kite hugs him back.

((WHOLESOME))

4:33 PM

Shawn's armor made him invincible, but when that girl told him of that one simple thing people are driven by, Shawn realized how vulnerable he was. His biggest weakness walked next to him at all times, and had a habit of jumping into danger and nearly getting himself killed

4:35 PM

Every superhero has a weakness, right? Superman has kryptonite, Martian Manhunter has fire or something, Batman has like. Clowns i guess.

4:35 PM

Shawn wondered what Kite's weakness was

4:39 PM

There's a fundamental contradiction in all this. How can Shawn keep Kite safe and also do good? If Kite was with him, there was always a much higher risk of everything going to shit. But Shawn remembered what it was like to be a superhero without Kite. It was miserable, purposeless. Shawn can't both keep Kite in danger and out of danger

4:40 PM

I just want him to be safe. and happy. Is that too much to ask?

Yes.

((Who is saying this what))

((No comment))

4:41 PM

((Shawn doesn’t notice it or anything))

((you should probably like. indicate that somehow cuz I thought it was like you filling in his subconcious thoughts))

4:43 PM

Kite was always right. Shawn's job was to support him always and to protect him. Maybe that's why Ehn gave him this power

4:43 PM

Does that make The Girl right?

4:43 PM

Shawn didn't know. He wanted to believe he was interested in justice

Shawn Duveldt

((you should probably like. indicate that somehow cuz I thought it was like you filling in his subconcious thoughts))

((No))

((okay...))

4:50 PM

"Kite, between the two of us, I think you're the better superhero."

"Damn right I am."

"I'm... I'm kind of a fuck-up."

4:52 PM

"I don't know, man."

"So's everyone. What makes us heroes is that we keep on fighting, y’know?"

Goddamn it. How does he always know what to say.

4:55 PM

Shawn held him a bit tighter

4:55 PM

"Listen, my powers... I'm invincible. But you're not. Just... Promise me in the future, you'll let me keep you safe."

"…" He looks away.

"We set out to be heros of justice, right? We were going to take on the world together."

5:03 PM

"That's what I want. What'll make us happy."

5:03 PM

"Everything's just so complicated."

"That’s why we just gotta smash through the complications."

"Yeah man, I just..."

5:06 PM

"I don't know. Everything is going too fast."

5:08 PM

Shawn stood hugging Kite for a bit, not saying anything (edited)

"…"

"Anyway, let’s go find Lelouch!"

"You lead the way..."

He rushed into the room they’d been held in earlier.

Shawn follows (although he makes sure to keep a careful eye of things that could harm Kite) (edited)

5:19 PM

He plugs his ears again too

They’re gone.

"Fuck" Shawn said externally

5:20 PM

"Thank god" Shawn said internally

"Damn it! That girl distracted us!"

"Its okay, bro. We're gonna find her again. I promise."

5:23 PM

"Ill wear metal toed shoes next time, so when I kick her it'll hurt extra bad."

"Shouldn’t your suit be way harder than metal?"

"Uhhhh I dunno. It doesn't really feel like metal"

5:27 PM

"I think the invincible-ness more comes from magic then anything."

"Yeah, why do people bother with science when it never makes sense. The world's whatever my intuition says it is."

"So true so true"

"I guess we go back and see those detectives, then?"

"I dunno. It's up to you."

5:39 PM

"I guess we could investigate this place a little."

Howard's voice comes through the earpiece. "Don’t bother."

"Hey, wait, what?"

5:42 PM

"How long have you been listening!?"

"A while. Didn’t think you needed the help up until that last issue. But things got busy at that point. Mob went after Ouroboros Stanley. He’d be dead if not for Lelouch, but now both are missing."

"Lelouch got taken by the white suit goons. Probably working with the mob."

5:47 PM

"I have no idea if theyre on her side or not, but I'm fairly sure she's gonna cause some problems for them."

5:49 PM

"Also, who the fuck is Ouroboros Stanley?"

5:50 PM

((respond to my ooc thing first))

"He used to run a chain of restaurants called King Burger. They closed down 20 years ago, so I doubt you’ve heard of them." Howard. "And why does that matter?" Kite.

"Wait, is he related to Maria Stanley? She was with Lelouch before both of them were taken." (edited)

"Maria Stanley? Let me look her up…" Howard.

"Yeah, looks like she’s the daughter of Ouroboros. She might’ve been there earlier. That could be the Lelouch connection." Howard.

"Hmph"

6:32 PM

"Well, I dunno. But she seems to be working with Lelouch somehow. That makes her a target by these guys."

6:33 PM

"We've got no clue where they went."

"I doubt they’d go after Ouroboros just because of his daughter. This likely has to do with the Sean Niebel, that’s my hunch." Howard. "Who the hell's Sean Niebel?" Kite.

"Didn't he get cancelled like a week ago?"

"By a series of alt twitter accounts who all coincidentally got the same false charge. Sean was also framed for the bombing of Kerloe fishery after the fact, by a YouTube commenter named Kirge Soniaquill. One of the twitter accounts was named Grizz Soniaquill, so I’d guess Soniaquill is one of the gangsters. That’s not everything that’s happened to Niebel recently, either. It’s likely he’s at the heart of this. How though, is a bigger question. But as for the Ouroboros connection, Niebel got his start off King Burger before Ouroboros sold it and it went bankrupt. LeIBlInc, his company, owned King Burger as a dead IP. Right around when Niebel starts getting mysteriously cancelled, he suddenly sells the whole company to Maoziwam. Except for a certain defunct restaurant. As of 2 days ago, Ouroboros claims to have gotten the rights to that restaurant back. He was attacked while leaving a new location he purchased." Howard. "Can’t you pace out this info? This is way too much to keep up with." Kite.

"So Lelouch is connected to Maoziwam Corporation, whos connected to Sean, whos connected to Ouroboros, whos connected to Maria, whos connected to Lelouch."

6:51 PM

"It's a big loop of connections. An ouroboros if you will."

6:56 PM

"That's a definite connection between the gangsters and Maoziwam corporation, right?"

"It wouldn’t hold up in court, but I’d certainly say it’s solid." Howard.

"The mob used alt accounts to cancel Niebel, and then blew up a fishery and framed him for it. Right afterwards, Maoziwam bought all of his assets..."

6:58 PM

"The question is whats the connection between Maoziwam and Carolyn."

"Have you heard of Bob Smith?" Howard. (edited)

"Yeah, the youtuber, right? Did I not tell you, I saw him yesterday."

7:01 PM

"I was at Kerloe Fishery to meet up with him, and he was present alongside the white suit and the store owner. He kept calling the white suit "dad""

"Interesting. However, what I meant to bring up, was that Bob Smith was the one who uploaded the video of Sean Niebel allegedly setting a bomb the night before. It’s likely he knows something." Howard. "Ugh, this is all so complicated. Can’t we just beat up villains again?" Kite.

"I feel you, Kite, but we have to know who our enemies are before we can beat them up."

7:05 PM

"That would check out. Bob is connected to both the white suits and the mob."

7:06 PM

"Last I heard from him, he accidentally shot the white suit he called dad, and that guy threatened to kill him. My guess is that he's currently locked in some mob basement."

"Try to find him. He could be the lead we’re missing." Howard. "Alright, chasing dinosaurs. I can do that!" Kite.

"Last time I tried to track him down, he almost blew me up."

7:09 PM

"I can try to contact him on twitter, but if he'sstill trapped by the mob, then I doubt we have any way of reaching him."

"I’ll let you know if I find any leads." Howard.

"Take care, detective. And stop evasdropping us!"

7:15 PM

"Keep an eye out for a guy with amnesia and bandages around his face. I don't know how, but I think he's connected to all this."

"That guy?" Howard.

"You'll know him when you see him. I don't know what his deal is, but he was associating with Maoziwam and her girlfriend."

7:39 PM

"The white suits are after him too, I think."

"Alright." Howard. "I guess we're done for now, then." Kite.

"Whats the plan then" Shawn, to Kite

7:40 PM

Shawn searches his earpiece for an off button

There isn't one. "I'm tired. Let's get back to this stuff tomorrow." Kite.

"Yeah, sure."

Kite left.

Shawn puts the earpiece in his pocket

7:42 PM

Shawn waves goodbye

7:44 PM

Fuck, do I just go home now?

7:44 PM

Shawn hides in an alley, changes into his civilian outfit, and heads home

7:46 PM

I still need to question my dad... If he's home, I will. If not I'll wait

Shawn arrived home.

7:48 PM

His parents are there.

"Hey."

They nod. (edited)

"Hey Dad, can we talk in a bit?"

"...Busy." This is all he says.

that fucking prick

7:52 PM

"Why were you working at some random cafe yesterday?"

"Uh- Wrong person. What?" Wilford. Madeline, Shawn's mother, turns around to look at them.

"Wrong person? What?"

7:56 PM

"You were there. I saw you. You shooed me out."

Ah- You must be misremembering things." Wilford. (edited)

"I know what I saw! Don't gaslight me."

"Don't disrespect your parents like this." Madeline.

Shawn is getting madder but tries to remain respectful

8:02 PM

"Are you guys hiding stuff from me?"

"Of course not." Madeline. "What she said." Wilford.

"Ugh"

8:07 PM

Shawn storms up to his room

8:08 PM

Shawn randomly touched his face and it stung. It's mildly bruised from when Kite beat the shit out of him

8:08 PM

His parents didnt even comment on that. Did they even notice?

8:09 PM

Shawn loved them. At the very least, he wanted to love them. But did they love him back? Did they ever spend time with him? Did they ever make him feel like he wanted to help and protect them?

8:10 PM

Shawn loved his parents, but when that girl earlier told him he knew where he lived, he wasnt that scared. Because this house he lived in didn't feel like a home

8:12 PM

Shawn loved his parents, but they didn't care about him. They never asked about him

8:13 PM

It's been a long and trying day. Shawn decides to do some reaserch on Niebel

8:13 PM

But finds himself unable to focus

8:13 PM

Mom and Dad really ruined the mood

((Roll))

Shawn hates getting bored. Because when Shawn gets bored, he gets self loathing

8:19 PM

Shawn gets self loathing without getting bored a lot, but when he has nothing else to think about, he usually thinks about how much he hates himself

8:20 PM

Most times, Shawn will play video games just to distract himself. Shawn remembered he still needs to finish that MV replay

8:20 PM

He boots up the console and starts the game

8:23 PM

It's the second arc of the game. One of the better ones

8:23 PM

Shawn spends the rest of his night playing games

((End chapter))

Win

8:26 PM

Only took 8 weeks

((Saturday))

Like 20 minutes after midnight Shawn passes out, unable to continue playing

((End session))

((No session this week unless someone does a makeup session))

Shawn is gently shaken awake by his mother.

“Hm… what?”

2:37 PM

Shawn struggles to adjust to the light (edited)

"Wake up, Shawn." Madeline.

“I’m up, I’m up… what’s up?” Shawn mumbles

"We have visitors. Get dressed and come down."

“Visitors? Who is it?”

"That doesn’t matter. Just hurry up."

“Alright, alright.”

2:40 PM

“Can you get out of the room while I’m changing?”

She leaves.

Shawn was suspicious. His parents didn’t have visitors often. He didn’t know any of their friends particularly well, and he didn’t see his extended family outside of holidays. Something was up.

2:43 PM

On a Monday morning, too. Weird

2:46 PM

Shawn got dressed. Just in case, he prepped his costume hidden in his school bag. He went downstairs, left the bag at a convenient place to grab it, and went to the main room to see the visitors

Your father is not in the room, but Madeline is. Of course, that’s not actually what catches his eye the fastest. Lelouch Maoziwam and Jade Lamperouge are in your home.

Shawn scans his room for anything that would cause a large distraction if he made a sudden movement

4:18 PM

Should I roll for this

Shawn is not in his room.

Ok well

4:19 PM

The room near the door

4:19 PM

Whatever

((Roll))

((18))

There is nothing in this room that could cause a large enough distraction to matter.

You suck

Don't betray us... Don't betray us? Really? That means jack shit. We're not on the same team, and we never were. You're evil.

Still, how am I supposed to do this...

5:05 PM

I can't just get Kite there. That's clearly an ambush

5:05 PM

I could contact Detective Scott...

Shawn is incapable of doing these.

Wait why

The instructions are clear. If Shawn doesn’t go now and stop Kite from heading to school immediately he would already fail the "make Kite arrive a few hours late" command.

Ah ok

5:09 PM

Shawn forgot this

5:10 PM

Thank you, voice in Shawn's head

5:10 PM

Shawn heads to Kite's

Shawn arrives at Kite's apartment building.

Shawn's bruises still ache a bit

5:11 PM

He heads up

This happens without issue.

Shawn knocks on Kite's door

"Huh? Who’s there?" Kite yells from inside.

"It's Shawn. It's important."

"Didn’t I tell you not to come here?" Kite opens the door.

"It's really important. I got word from Scott. He told me there's a lead that someone is trying to ambush us at the school."

"Huh? Who?"

"I- I don't know. Someone figured out our identities and is trying to get us both."

5:18 PM

"My guess is the White Suits. Lelouch and Jade know our secret, and they both were captured by them. Maybe it was extorted out of them."

"Damn! We gotta stop em right now!"

"Wait hang on."

5:25 PM

"Walking straight into an ambush is a bad idea."

5:26 PM

"We should prepare. Get like weapons for me and armor for you."

5:30 PM

"There's one other thing that Scott told me. Whoever these guys are, they're preparing a weapon to take us out. I'm not sure what it is, but the words he overheard were that it 'looks inconspicuous and innocuous, but actually holds a deadly nerve gas."

5:30 PM

"We should prepare some kind of face covering or gas mask"

"Gas masks? But aren't those usually kept for villains?"

"Don't you remember Masquerade V? Haruto's metaverse outfit has a gas mask"

5:36 PM

"Besides, it doesn't have to be one of those crazy evil looking gas masks. Just something that'll protect our faces"

"Alright! To the mask store!"

"Awesome, lets go."

5:38 PM

"Also, can we get breakfast? I rushed here so fast I didn't get a chance to eat."

5:38 PM

It also might be my only chance for a long time to eat anything other then cereal (edited)

"Uh... I can't really afford it."

"I can, my parents gave me a credit card linked to their account."

5:41 PM

"I just wanted to eat something at like a diner. You can come since we're gonna be together."

"Uh... Fine. Feels like the ambush is more important though. We're supposed to be heroes."

"Theyll be expecting us when we get there, right? So here's my idea. Theyre trying to catch us by suprise, but then we trick them and then catch THEM by suprise."

"But what about the innocent people there right now?"

“If they started attacking innocent people, it wouldn’t really be much of an ambush, right? They’d just get the police’s attention.”

5:50 PM

“They’re there for us and us alone” (edited)

"...I guess."

((Saturday))

"...I guess."

"We should prepare as much as humanly possible. That starts with getting food."

"Why didn’t you just eat at your rich home, bro?"

"I rushed here, I told you!"

2:27 PM

"I wanted to get to you before you got to the school, cuz you wouldve been ambushed there."

"…Whatever, bro." He left the building.

Shawn follows

2:29 PM

Is kite heading towatds the school?

He’s just waiting at the front of the building. "So, where to?"

"Uhhh... I remember there was a diner around the corner when I walked here like a few days ago. Is that place any good?"

2:31 PM

His dad was working at a diner. Not that one. Well. God shawn was worried about his dad. What sick trick is Lelouch going to pull with him

"How should I know?"

"I dunno. I've only been in town for like a week I have no clue whats good here."

2:34 PM

It has been the longest week of Shawns life

"…"

"Let's just go there."

"Sure. Lead the way, or whatever."

Shawn does not follow he leads. For once. Wow that feels sorta awful

Kite follows, looking bored.

Shawn and Kite sit down at a booth. Shawn picks french toast off the menu to tell the waiter

2:43 PM

"So, battle plans. What should we do?"

"Attack."

"Okay well. Yeah, definetly. But like."

2:47 PM

"Kite you remember what happened with Carolyn's thing. We rushed in there without considering anything, and nearly got framed for a crime."

2:48 PM

"We need to be cautious. I don't think we're going to get lucky again."

"I’m not the thinking type."

"Still, it won't hurt"

2:59 PM

"By the way, did you want anything? I'll pay for it, so you can get whatever."

"…Pass."

"C'mon, let me do this for you. I owe it to you after breaking the "don't come to my house ever again" rule"

"I’m not hungry."

"Alright, well... How about this for a plan. We'll go to some kind of like sports store or something and buy weapons and armor, and then we'll go to like... a mask store. I dont know what kind of store sells masks but we'll go there and we'll get masks

3:06 PM

"And then we'll head over? Sounds good, yeah?"

"..." He doesn't answer.

Shawn looks a bit dejected, but doesnt say anything. When the waiter comes, he orders eggs. That should take less time then french toast, probably

3:14 PM

Shawn sorta sits in silence for a little bit

"Don't you think this feels... Like a filler arc?"

"What do you mean?"

"It's like... Where are the big lifechanging developments? The character development? We're just spinning our wheels here. Where'd the drama go?"

"I mean... I dunno."

3:25 PM

"We're real-life superheros. In stories, superheros are like... we only see the interesting parts of their adventures, right?"

3:26 PM

"But the other parts have to exist in-universe, yeah? Like... Batman couldn't be Batman if he didn't go through years of ninja training."

3:27 PM

"It would be nice to just... skip it over, I guess. But I dunno. Half the fun of MV is the daily life stuff, yknow? Like... Just sorta hanging around town, meeting new people, making preperations, honing your skills."

3:28 PM

"If it was just the JRPG stuff, it wouldn't really be any more special then your average RPG."

3:28 PM

"Aside from the art, I guess."

"Can't we just... Skip past this stuff, though? Like that Adam Sandle movie."

"You mean like... Like Click?"

3:30 PM

"You know the whole point of that movie is about like the fact that he's doing that is bad right?"

"I don't really think those movies have a point. It's about finding the hero funny."

"I mean, I guess. Still like..."

3:32 PM

"There's a bit where like he decides to skip until he gets his next promotion and he ends up missing his sons graduation or something."

"I'm gonna live childfree anyway!"

"I dunno, man"

"What?"

"I guess like... I'm thinking about this whole superhero thing. Like... We're heros of justice, yeah? We fight evil so that we can protect others. But... We don't care about the small moments of life. The unexiting parts. That's also why we became heros. And... through protecting others, we're mainly protecting them from having those big, exiting moments."

8:25 PM

"So... We're people who reject monotony, but we're also defenders of monotony?"

"Huh? You're confusin' me." (edited)

"I guess like... You became a superhero to get revenge, right?"

8:28 PM

"What if someone else wanted revenge on some other bad guy. Is it our job to stop the bad guy? I mean, we're superheros, right? That is our job."

8:29 PM

"In doing so, though, we prevent someone else from getting revenge" (edited)

8:29 PM

"So like... In becoming superheros, and doing things that superheros do, we deny others the chance to become superheros."

8:29 PM

"You get me?"

8:32 PM

"This doesn't really have much to do with the movie Click. It's more about like... I guess, the idea of monotony."

"Well... Yeah? Plenty of people think being a hero's lame or dangerous or tragic... But it's the best thing that's ever happened to me, so I'm not about to give up and hand the job over to someone else. If someone else wants my job, they're gonna have to fight me for it." He smirked.

"I'm with you there, I think. It's been long and hard and difficult and I've been running myself ragged but still, I'd say this is the best thing that's ever happened to me too. Despite the weight of it all."

8:37 PM

"It's those tense, exiting moments that make life most interesting. And as superheros, we have tons of that. Every day it's something new and crazy. But those new, daily things... Those things that make life the most interesting... Througth the nature of this job, we deny other people them."

"Well, I don't even have a boring normal life to go back to. Other people are lucky enough to enjoy the every day life, why do I gotta act like I owe them this fun life? Not exactly a fair trade."

"Hmph, I guess so" I'm in the same boat, I guess. Now that Lelouch has dragged Mom and Dad into this, I doubt I'm going to get a chance at a normal life again

8:41 PM

That's... Weird to think about. Best not to dwell on it

"Of course, you wouldn't understand. You've got the good life. Kinda Hippocratic of you to come at me for not having your precious fun life."

"I'm not coming at you, sorry if I came off that way."

8:45 PM

"And... I can't really say I enjoyed my every day life either. This is sorta a gift, I guess."

"You don't like your life?"

"I hate talking about my life. I always feel like I sound pretentious and annoying for not liking it. But I dunno, I should be honest, I guess. My parents are around, and I love them, but they've never really been there for me. They barely ever talk to me anymore. I never really got along with anyone at school super well either. I've been totally alone for a pretty long time" (edited)

He grimaced uncomfortably. "At least you've still got a chance to talk to them. Don't go wastin' it and being all mopey 'cause your parents didn't just hand a good family relationship to you!"

Come to think of it... The conversation that Lelouch and Jade forced me into with them this morning was the first time in a while that I've actually talked with them...

9:00 PM

"Yeah, I know. I try to reach out to them, but there's only so much I can do, I guess."

9:01 PM

"I don't have it as bad as you, I know that. But that doesn't change the fact that getting these superpowers was like... the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"Coward. You're supposed to be a superhero and you won't even talk to your parents?"

"I tried!"

"Not enough!"

"I just... I just don't know how to get through to them, okay? Like... I dunno, they're brick walls. They don't respond to me, they don't care about me. No one cares about me!"

9:02 PM

"Before I got this suit, I barely even existed."

9:03 PM

"But... But that's changed. That's different now."

"Because I gave it to you!" (edited)

Shawn looks down and puts his hands to his head in a pose that looks like the phoenix breakdown pose from aa2-4 "I-I-I... I'm really, really thankful to you for it. Like... More then anything in the world."

"Then appreciate your family! Don't go whining about how beat down you are over something so tiny!"

"Kite... I..."

10:14 PM

"I don't know, man. I try. I really do."

"…Tch." He crossed his arms. "It’s whatever."

"That doesnt matter. I have what I need now, anyway. I have these powers. I'm part of the Advent Guard." (edited)

"You already started pretty lucky before then, though. Guess not losing someone you love makes it pretty easy to throw that kinda pain on someone else."

"I'm... I don't want to throw my pain at you, Kite."

"That’s not what I meant."

"What did you mean, then?" Shawn looks up

He groans. "Forget about it. Just eat your damn food."

((Saturday))

((Saturday(Plus the makeup session tomorrow)))

"Oh... did you mean..."

3:02 PM

"I'm..."

"I said forget about it! Can't you listen?"

"Sorry, sorry... I'm sorry... sorry... sorry."

He looks away.

"I..." (edited)

6:29 PM

Shawn goes back to holding his head

"Aren’t you gonna eat your food?"

"It arrived? S-sorry, i didn't..."

6:31 PM

Shawn eats his food

It tastes normal. Kite doesn’t say anything more.

"I'm sorry..." Shawn mumbles

He doesn’t respond.

Shawn eats quickly and pays

6:38 PM

"Let's go get those masks."

He gets up and walks out the restaurant.

Shawn follows

6:40 PM

Shawn googles "Mask store" on his phone

There is one in the area.

"Let's go here."

6:42 PM

Shawn leads the way to the mask store

"Sure, bro." Kite tries to walk ahead of Shawn.

Shawn follow Kite but also doesnt because Kite doesn't know where he's going so Shawn leads

They arrive at the mask store.

Shawn goes inside

6:45 PM

What kind of masks do they have at the mask store?

The mask store sells masks.

What kind of masks do they have at the mask store?

The mask store sells masks.

What kind of masks do they have at the mask store?

Yes, they do sell gas masks.

but what OTHER kinds of masks do they sell

Shawn looks around the store for gas masks, ones that would work properly. It would need to be something light and compact, something that they could hide in their shirts and easily take out before they are attacked by Lelouch and Jade. As he looked around, he saw all kinds of masks. Halloween masks straight out of Scooby-Doo, ski masks for the winter, even fake muscaches (it seems like this store mainly made facial coverings of all kinds. A weird selection) But what Shawn focused on was the masquerade masks. There were a lot of them, a whole shelf. Wildly different colors, with different trims and different shapes. Shawn was drawn to them because it was this type of mask that every protagonist of Masquerade V wore when they were in the meta-world. It’s something Shawn was always confused by about the game. The purpose of a masquerade is to conceal one's identity. A masquerade ball is an event where everyone dresses up but no one knows who the other is, everyone’s identity is a mystery. But within the context of Masquerade V, the characters gain their “mask” when they join the group, and they join the group when they’re able to fully affirm their identities. So, in the world of the game, losing your sense of identity through wearing a mask is synonymous with gaining a sense of identity. The former follows from the latter.

9:16 PM

This was probably an intentional choice by the creators. Something about “the masks we wear.” But it’s been something Shawn has been thinking about ever since he played this game. It’s a weird discrepancy he hasn’t been able to get out of his head. It’s been something on the back of his mind all throughout this past week. Because… Shawn sorta did go through the same circumstances they did. He reaffirmed his own identity, and he gained a mask and a chance to do superheroics. But… Well, Shawn would do anything to not go back to where he was before. But it’s not really like he feels like he’s a different person now. Beetle and Shawn are still the same guy, really. But… Shawn gripped onto the sides of the cabinet Being Beetle was acting like a completely different person, almost. Shawn’s life was practically being derailed. Shawn had barely gone to school in the past week, he’d missed all of his assignments, been beat up multiple times, fucking killed someone He deserved it, he was a criminal, he had it coming and now… and now his parents were getting involved in all of this. Lelouch has brought them in. So… His decision to affirm his identity as Beetle, to put on the mask… That is sorta what the people in Masquerade V did. So So why doesn’t he feel different? Why does he feel like Shawn, and not Beetle? Kite’s real name is Ray Elliot, but his superhero name is Kite. And that’s all Shawn ever called him. But Kite didn’t call him Beetle. He didn’t call himself Beetle. No one did, really, except Lelouch that one time. (Even Sentasaurus said the wrong name, but that was non-canon). Kite and Shawn were both part of the masquerade, but Kite could do the Masquerade V thing, he was capable of giving up his identity and affirming it at the exact same time. Shawn wasn’t. He ends up with the worst of both worlds. Maybe that’s why Kite is a better hero than him. I can’t believe I’m hurting him like this. I need to protect him

9:16 PM

Shawn pulls himself up. Well, if Kite’s the hero, Shawn needs to do everything he can to prevent Kite from coming to harm with this trap. Shawn purchases two small compact gas masks, and walks outside, where Kite was waiting for him (edited)

The store workers stare at Shawn throughout the whole process.

"What?"

9:26 PM

"Agh, whatever"

"Can we go now?" Kite.

"We got the masks... uhhh..."

9:29 PM

"We needed weapons, right?"

9:29 PM

"Or like... You need protection, and I need something to hit people with."

"What? You're totally messing up our dynamic!"

"We talked about this earlier I thought."

9:33 PM

"I know you're offense and I'm defense but... You know, 'the best defense is a good offense' and all. The reverse is probably true too."

"I'm not gonna let you replace me, bro! We're Advent Guard together, you can't just pick up your own weapon and steal my spotlight!"

"Cmon, man, I'm not trying to replace you. All I'm saying is that we should cover our weaknesses, yknow?"

"We do cover our weaknesses, it's called teamwork! These weapons are an important metaphor!"

This isnt working...

9:41 PM

"Hmmm...."

9:41 PM

"Well... Ok, new idea. You're offense, and I'm defense, but neither of us really have anything in the other area, right?"

9:42 PM

Shawn and Kite are walking down the street while theyre having this convo

9:42 PM

"My original idea was to compensate. I can get a baseball bat and you can get some body armor and we'll be set."

9:43 PM

"But thinking about it more... Well, if we move perfectly in sync, then we'll have the best offense and the best defense!"

"Exactly! Now you're getting it!"

"Hmmm..."

9:45 PM

"Well... Then I think we should work on getting more in sync then. Lets go like find a playground or something and practice ways to get perfectly on eachother's wavelength." (edited)

"A training arc...? Seriously?"

"No, I didn't mean training. I meant more like... Let's figure out some duo techniques that we can use on the battlefield, yknow?"

9:56 PM

"That kinda stuff sounds annoying to improvise" (edited)

"Duo techniques... I hit the bad guy and you shield me."

"No, cmon. Be more creative."

"I am being creative! This isn't art, it's war!"

"Like... Okay. Think about this. When I wear my suit, I'm immune to all damage, right? The suit doesn't get damaged, and I feel no pain from it."

9:59 PM

"And when you hit stuff with your crowbar, it gets hit with like way way more force then it should be hitting with, right?"

9:59 PM

"So... What would happen if you hit me with the crowbar while I was wearing the suit?"

10:00 PM

"I'd probably start like bouncing around like a rubber ball. And since I'm in the suit, I'd feel no pain from it."

10:00 PM

"Do you think it's worth testing?"

"Well... I'm stronger, so it'd probably swing right through you and kill you."

"It's a magic suit!"

"And I'm stronger!"

"Then magic??"

"I've got magic too, remember!"

"You don't think they're like... equal magic?"

"Obviously not... I'm #1!"

"I guess so...."

10:06 PM

"Still, I think we should figure something out. Like... Have you practice using me as a shield."

"How'd we do that? You just have to stand in front of me."

"It's about like positioning and shit yknow." (edited)

"I can't worry about positioning in the middle of a fight! I gotta focus on the fight!"

"I guess so..."

10:16 PM

Has it been long enough that Shawn can, in good faith, take Kite to the school

It has.

"Alright then. We can go. But remember, ambush."

10:17 PM

Shawn hands Kite a gas mask (edited)

10:18 PM

"Before you go in, put this on"

"Yeah, yeah, I know! You’re not my mom, bro."

"Sorry, sorry."

10:18 PM

"Kite, uh..."

10:18 PM

"One last thing before we head over there."

"…What?"

"..."

10:19 PM

"Do you remember when that weird bandaged guy used his powers from Ehn to like contort a guy's body into shooting himself?"

"…Yeah?"

"I've been thinking about that for a while now. Other people have similar powers, and they have abilities to like... control bodies and shit."

10:22 PM

"It's tough for me to admit this, but that's my biggest fear in the world. Being a puppet in my own body. And now that we're fighting people who might be able to do stuff like that....."

10:23 PM

"I just... I just wanted you to know that no matter what happens, no matter anything I say or anything I do... My intrests are always solely in helping you and the Advent Guard."

10:23 PM

"That above all else."

"Uh… Okay. Same here, bro. But I’m tough, so I’m not gonna anyone's puppet. I’d rather die than that."

You don't know the half of it

10:26 PM

"Good. Okay. We're the Advent Guard. We're fighting to be superheros, and we're fighting for justice. If either of us stops being that, just assume we're brainwashed. That sound good?"

"I told you bro, I’m not gonna get brainwashed! I’ve got like strong willpower, it makes me immune. Why you gotta keep bringing this up?"

"No, I'm saying like. In general."

"Let’s just go, bro!" He runs towards the school.

Shawn follows

((End session))

((Next Sunday at the same time because Shoko somehow has every other day busy for the next 3 weeks))

((Gotcha)) (edited)

10:54 PM

((I’ll plan around it)) (edited)

10:56 PM

((Hopefully we can get all the content out with shoko next week because the weekend two weeks after looks weird for me)) (edited)

((Parentheses!!!!))

((Wdym))

Shawn and Kite arrived at school.

"Alright, Kite. Stay on guard. We don't know how theyre going to be attacking us."

"Yeah, yeah, I know... Guard's literally in our name."

"Keep your mask on. Don't let anything near your face"

"I get it! Stop bossing me around! I'm the boss!"

"S-sorry."

He scoffs and goes into the school.

Shawn follows Kite. Sometime offscreen he changed into his costume, and its currently under his clothes. Shawn made sure to keep a close eye out for Lelouch, but also for any other students. Anyone in the building could be targetting him

Lelouch and Jade are inside.

((Same time next week))

((Same time next week. Sorry for the lack of progress I got distracted by the Ehnniversary))

((Lol it’s alright)) (edited)

11:15 PM

((Was a bad day to session anyway for me))

Shawn is alone in the school.

"Where's everybody going? Bingo?"

1:44 PM

Shawn laughs to himself at his really funny reference

1:45 PM

Shawn needed to wash up. Before he does anything else, he heads to the bathroom. Maria needs saving, but if Shawn doesn't get a second to breath, he's not going to be able to save her

Shawn makes it to the bathroom without any problems.

Shawn washed his face, and then started at himself in the mirror for a few seconds

1:49 PM

He thought about what Lelouch and Jade said. They're in this because, somewhere or somehow, Kite hurt Lelouch. Sometime before that, someone hurt Kite. Now, Lelouch and Jade are hurting Kite. Kite will strike back at some point, Shawn bets

1:49 PM

Is that really what all this is? Endless warring between the Advent Guard and Lelouch's gang purely because one of them hurt the other and now they need to retaliate?

1:51 PM

If that's whats happening, Shawn's in kinda a weird position. He didn't enter this conflict because anyone hurt him, he did it because he wanted to. The most anyone has ever hurt him was just now, when he nearly killed Kite, but now he's being forced to work against it. The system at play is mixing him up all around, so it's no wonder he begins to question it

1:53 PM

...

1:54 PM

Shawn had said some awful things to Kite back there, hadn't he. Some of which was forced... Some of which wasn't

1:56 PM

Shawn had doubted this whole system before. A couple of times. But every time he had, it's fallen back right onto his face. Thats why Shawn was such a failure of a superhero, because as much as he tried, he couldn't bring himself to fully be in that world. Kite could.

1:57 PM

So maybe there was more to this then just cycles of revenge. Something Shawn wasn't getting

2:00 PM

Shawn gripped the edge of the sink as he thought more about what happened. He nearly lost Kite permanently. That... That's maybe what he was afraid of most of all

2:02 PM

He had contemplated suicide just a few minutes ago, but he couldnt get into the head of it anymore. He needed to keep living, because there's still good that can be done, and Kite still needs a protector. If he has to deal with Lelouch for now, he can.

2:04 PM

Shawn picked himself up. For now, he had to save Maria. Or... "save" Maria. Whatever he needs to do, he'll get out of this hell eventually. And he'll be with Kite again. This won't be the end of the Advent Guard.

2:04 PM

Shawn leaves

The school is going back to normal, with the exception of how much people are whispering to each other about Lelouch.

Ugh. No amount of brainwashing is going to make him not feel a ping of disgust whenever he hears that.

2:10 PM

It's hard for Shawn to verbalize why he hated the brainwashing so much. It's the ultimate breach of privacy, breaking into someone's very mind and forcing them to do or say things they wouldn't otherwise. It's a corrosion and destruction of the self, the very thing that makes people people. Brainwash someone enough, and they're not any different from a dog

2:12 PM

Shawn thought about Masquerade V. That game relied pretty heavily on brainwashing, in retrospect. The Masquerade Thieves would (literally) break into someones mind and reform their core values into something good

2:13 PM

Shawn had never really thought about what the reciving end of that must feel like. But he knows now, he supposes

2:14 PM

Lelouch might be more similar to the Masqeurade Thieves then he and Kite were. Sorta weird to think about

2:16 PM

The difference was mostly that... Well... the thieves were the good guys, right? They did the right thing, fought for good things. Lelouch mostly just fucked around and tortured people

2:18 PM

Shawn had a big jumbled mess of thoughts in his head, none he could verbalize well. He decided to press forward and not think too hard about it. That's when it was the most fun, anyway

((Where is he going though?))

Good question

2:24 PM

Shawn pulls out his phone

Shawn pulls down his phone. Time to go find Maria. First place to look; King Burger

Shawn has no idea where King Burger is.

Thats what we have the Maps app for

King Burger is not on any map.

The place where Ouroboros was attacked, then. His new resturaunt

Shawn doesn't know where that is.

Shawn looks up news reports of guy attacked at his resturaunt

((Roll))

((8))

Nothing helpful.

Fucked up (edited)

3:22 PM

Shawn heads for the other address

Shawn arrived at a large house in Shelk.

Shawn rings the doorbell

There's no response.

Shawn rings again

There's no response.

Shawn waits a minute and rings again

No response.

Damn. Should I just... break in? I don't want to commit a crime before I even know if shes there

3:55 PM

Shawn has an idea. He radios Howard

As soon as Shawn puts the earpiece on, he can hear Kite and Howard talking. "Yeah, yeah, I'm almost there... I'm not your goddamn errand boy." Kite. "So called hero can't even save one person without whining the whole way through." Howard. "Hey, you're the cop here! Aren't you supposed to do your job too? Today isn't exactly my best day." Kite. "Take it out on whoever gets in your way, that's none of my concern." Howard.

Shawn is paralyzed. He can't do anything

"Ugh." Kite. The conversation doesn't continue.

I don't think I am like mentally equipt to talk with Kite right now

4:09 PM

Shawn gets off the line and decides to wait a few minutes

4:09 PM

Howard will be availible then

4:09 PM

In the meantime, he sits on the steps of the Stanley residence

Nothing happens.

After a lot more then a few minutes Shawn calls Howard again

((It's just an earpiece you put it on and you talk)) (edited)

Whatever

((I'm saying you have to talk first!!!!!))

"Mr. Scott, are you there?"

"Beetle?" Howard. "I'm taking this thing off." Kite.

"Kite, wait, I-"

4:26 PM

"Ugh."

"I thought you left." Howard.

"What do you mean?"

"That's what your 'bro' told me." Howard.

"Oh, I- Oh."

4:30 PM

"We've split apart. Or... We've been split apart, I guess. I can't be with Kite right now, as much as I want to."

4:31 PM

"That's... He got the wrong idea from what I told him. I... I don't want this, it's just something I need to do right now."

"We're kind of in the middle of something. What's the matter?"

"I'm trying to find Ouroboros Stanley. His daughter is one of my classmates, and he apparently kidnapped her. I'm trying to rescue her."

"Just use the computer at the station."

"I'm in Shelk right now, that's pretty far for me."

4:34 PM

"Am I just... allowed to use that computer whenever?"

"This doesn't matter. Just get off and let me focus on the other thing."

"Okay"

4:37 PM

"One more thing. If you talk to Kite again, please tell him that the alleyway and his apartment are compromised. And... that I'm sorry."

"...Don't give me that kind of info."

"I won't ever again, I promise. I just... I can't talk with him right now, but I really need him to hear this."

4:44 PM

"It'll mean the world to me."

"I don’t play middleman for young drama. I have more important things to keep in mind."

"Please! This is life-or-death stuff!" (edited)

"Then tell him yourself."

"I- He wouldn't listen to me. He wouldn't trust me."

"How the hell do you think it’ll sound if I tell him? Or if i tell him you told me? You think that makes a difference?"

"I- I dunno. You're more trustworthy then I am"

"I’m a cop. Anyone who buys anything I say’s either an idiot or just that desperate."

"Well, at least you're honest."

4:58 PM

"I don't know, I'm sorry. I just don't know how else I'm supposed to tell him without him getting upset. But it's really really important!"

"That’s not my concern. I have much bigger things to keep in mind."

"Please, man. This one thing is all I ask"

5:04 PM

"I'm sure he's going to call you again. When he does, just let him know, alright?" (edited)

"I can see why he left you."

"I'm taking this thing off."

5:07 PM

Shawn puts away his earpiece. He starts heading towards the police HQ

5:08 PM

"God, hes the worst."

Shawn arrives at the police station.

Shawn changes quickly before he goes in to his Beetle outfit. He sneaks into the computer room

((Roll))

((14))

Shawn sneaks past Ariel May as he heads to the computer room.

What

5:29 PM

okay

5:29 PM

Shawn goes to The Computer Room and ignores the woman he doesnt recognize but has really fucked up looking boobs (edited)

It’s empty.

Shawn goes to the computer and searches Ouroboros Stanley

There are some recent incidents around his house, his restaurant, but mostly nothing Shawn doesn’t already know.

More importantly, any addresses

There’s an address to the newly reopened King Burger. That’s the only address Shawn doesn’t already know.

Shawn marks that down

2:05 PM

While he's here, Shawn searches some other names adjacent to all of this

2:05 PM

He searches up Jade Lamperouge (edited)

No results.

Thats really odd... Is she using an alias?

2:08 PM

Shawn searches Lelouch Maoziwam again. Does it mention anything related to a friend she hangs out with

Lelouch does show up but only in stories about the car crash. Nothing too interesting.

Odd

2:10 PM

Shawn searches the name Eryn and filters for anything related to the Edlightment

((Roll))

((what the fuck)) (edited)

2:11 PM

((1))

Nothing.

Shawn searches Carolyn Blythe again for updates on her activity (edited)

There have been several incidents in her office recently, but nothing more detailed than that.

Anyone involved in them that Shawn recognizes?

Names are not mentioned.

Shawn searches up Sam Kidink for no reason

Sam Kidink is registered as dead.

What

2:15 PM

How did Sam Kidink die?

This is based off of reports from inside Jeff Johnner's inner circle. His body has not been discovered, but he hasn’t been seen anywhere since last Thursday.

Why would Jeff Johnner have a connection to Sam Kidink? Shawn asks this to himself and looks around the page for any kind of answer

Sam's mother is a criminal defense attorney. Aside from an incident report about him, Bob Smith, and Sophie Wight, this is all they have on him.

Shawn searches Sophie Wight

Sophie Wight is the currently comatose daughter of a popular news show host. Not much more about her. (edited)

A coma? That's sorta worrying

2:24 PM

Does it list her coma related to any crimes or is it disease-caused or something

She was seriously injured.

No listed causes?

None.

Odd. Shawn contemplates getting out of here now, but he has a few more names to search He looks up Sean Niebel

((Roll))

((13))

The page on Sean Niebel is a mess. It seems like they can barely tell who Sean Niebel even is. However, Shawn is pretty sure of the validity of the entry stating he was shot and admitted to the hospital last night.

Interesting

2:40 PM

Shawn searches up Grizz Soniaquill

No results.

Damn

2:42 PM

Shawn searches Shuichi Maoziwam

Shuichi Maoziwam is involved in so many results it’s hard to comb through them. What specifically is Shawn looking for?

Mainly things related to Stanley and Niebel

Shuichi bought Niebel's company from him just under a week ago, leaving him only with King Burger. This is the end of his connection to either of them.

Hm

2:45 PM

Shawn searches up Dana Craig one more time

2:45 PM

For updates on the Mats Rumen case

No new updates on Dana Craig.

Shawn searches up Ray Elliot

Nothing new.

Shawn searches Shawn Duveldt

Almost nothing.

Shawn leaves, and starts heading for the new King Burger location

Shawn arrives at the new King Burger location. There’s a few people closing up shop.

(Shawn also changed back into his normal outfit to beclear)

2:58 PM

Shawn walks up to a random guy "Is this King Burger?"

"Yes."

"I'm looking for Mr. Stanley. Is he here?" (edited)

"Oh, no. Mr Niebel got the ownership back and shut it down."

"Already? I thought it was just opened up?"

"Yeah, it’s a mess."

“Geez, I’m sorry. Good luck on the job search then.”

3:04 PM

“Do you know where I might be able to find him? His office or something. Or maybe Niebel?”

"Mr Stanley's strangely kind of vanished. We do have Niebel's number, though."

figures, kidnapping someone is a good reason to go off the grid

3:10 PM

“That would be great, thank you.”

They give Shawn the phone number.

Shawn steps outside and calls it

Sean answers.

((Is this gonna be a channel split or))

((Yes))

"Alright... well..."

3:48 PM

"That wasn't too helpful, but... That's a lead, I guess."

3:49 PM

Where would Shuichi Maoziwam be…

3:54 PM

Well, there’s one place. Shawn’s been there before. Shawn heads to the chapter 5 apartment complex

Shawn arrives there.

Shawn goes to his appartment and rings the doorbell

No answer.

Shawn rings again

No answer.

Ugh, hes probably not even here. And Shawn came all this way

4:01 PM

Shawn pulls out his phone and sends another message to Lelouch (edited)

4:03 PM

Damnit. What the hell am I supposed to do now?

4:07 PM

Shawn rings the doorbell one last time

No answer.

If Lelouch won't answer, I'm out of options.

4:12 PM

I could try to reach him through his company I guess? Then again, what kind of secretary would accept me just saying "I need to talk with your CEO." (edited)

4:17 PM

I could ask Mr. Scott where he is... But he'd just tell me to go back to the police HQ. I'm tired of walking. (edited)

4:20 PM

Shawn heads down to the lobby. There's probably like chairs there or something

4:20 PM

Right now, he just wants to rest

There are indeed chairs.

Shawn finds a couch and does the sad Keanu Reeves sit

4:23 PM

He was stuck, it looked like

4:23 PM

He couldn't even find Maria, let alone save her

4:24 PM

Shawn did not like Jade, but why did being unable to fufil her requests make him feel so awful? So... empty?

4:24 PM

The mind control, obviously. But... It's more then that.

Shawn hears a loud bang from the earpiece in his pocket.

Shawn awakens from his weird daze of self hatred and puts the earpiece to his ear

"What’s going on over there? Kite? Kite?" Howard. No answer.

"Is everything okay? I heard a bang!"

"Sounds like he got shot. He probably needs your help." Howard.

"I- Shit. Where is he?"

Howard gives an address.

Shawn heads straight there (although he puts his costume on first)

4:30 PM

This could be a trap. This is probably a trap. Scott didn't talk like that normally. But Shawn couldn't risk it. If Kite was in danger, Shawn needed to help him.

"Officer Kingsley’s there. No matter what… Don’t let him get hurt. He’s far too useful." Howard. Shawn arrived at an abandoned warehouse. There are people in white suits around. Kite seems to have busted open one of the walls, however.

Thats what the sound was, then

4:34 PM

Shawn quickly scans the area to try to get a read on whos here.

Kingsley is handcuffed in the middle of the room. Next to him, also handcuffed, is another detective. The girl in the white suit is here. She’s following a small trail of blood leading into a backroom. There are about 10 other white suits around.

Why would they try to kidnap Kingsley?

4:45 PM

Are the other white suits fixated on Kite?

Kite is not visible.

Wait...

4:47 PM

That trail of blood...

4:47 PM

Shawn is going to try to sneak to that backroom

((Roll))

((3))

The girl hears him heading in the same direction, and shoots him. This does nothing but draw attention towards him. "You again."

"Hey all" (edited)

4:54 PM

"Last time we talked, I asked you get rid of Lelouch for good. I saw her this morning. What happened there?"

"That’s none of your concern. If you want your friend to stay alive, I recommend you leave right now. We only need the detectives." The girl.

"Is he in the backroom?"

"It seems so."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

5:02 PM

"Do you like... not know? What?"

"That’s where he ran. But considering your magic tools and endlessly inconvenient timing, I would not be surprised if he could simply teleport out of here."

Shawn eyes the trail of blood "You shot him?"

"As I would you too, if I could."

Shawn's wearing a mask, but you can tell he's smiling

5:09 PM

He starts walking over to the room where Kite is

5:10 PM

While walking, he says "if we're going to keep meeting like this, it'd be nice if I could get your name." to The Girl (edited)

"I would hope this is the end." The girl. "Get Kingsley out of there, too." Howard.

"Are you outside? I need someone to get him medical attention." to Howard, quietly (edited)

"Who are you talking to?" The girl. "You want my help? You get Kingsley out." Howard. Kite is inside the room, clutching his ear. It seems that's where he was shot. "Damn... Why the hell are... Are you here, bro?"

"Hey, bro."

5:17 PM

"You're hit. I'm here to help you."

5:17 PM

(to his earpiece) "How about we both agree to help eachother, sound good?"

"...What? What did you say?" Kite.

Shawn goes inside the room, and talks quietly enough that the white suit guys cant hear him

5:20 PM

Well, first he looks at Kite

Kite's ear is bleeding. He's fine, otherwise.

"Are you alright?"

"Huh?" Kite. He doesn't seem to be able to hear properly.

Shawn gets in a lot closer

5:24 PM

"Can you hear me?"

"Speak up, bro! I can't hear a word you're saying!" Kite.

He's totally deaf

5:26 PM

That's really bad

((Saturday but can you do a makeup session so I don’t have to yell at you))

"Stop ignoring me! You’re always ignoring me!" He shoves Shawn away.

Shawn points to his ears

10:34 AM

Then does an x shape with his fingers against his mouth

"Don’t mock me!"

"Scott, Kite is deaf, I can't communicate with him."

"Take his crowbar and stop the white suits. We can deal with him when there’s no danger." Howard.

"I-"

10:37 AM

"Fine, but I'll need backup."

"For what? Shouldn’t your magic toys make you unstoppable?" Howard.

"I'm not going to be able to take Kite's crowbar. My suit makes me invincible but I can't actually do any damage."

"Why can’t you take the crowbar?" Howard.

Shawn looks over at Kite "We're... It's complicated for us right now. If I take it from him, he would fight back against me. That would waste valuable time. I might be able to take it from him, but in the few minutes I'd need, your men could die." (edited)

"Ha… I get it. You just don’t wanna hurt him, do you? You don’t wanna risk hurting your precious partner’s feelings. Well, listen up. Hesitation costs lives. You cling onto anyone- Anything… And there’ll be consequences. Wanna believe in the power of friendship? You’ll learn your lesson when someone turns around and stabs you in the back. Wanna play lone wolf? You’ll learn your lesson when you need someone watching your back. In every possible instance you believe anything, the world's gonna turn around and tell you 'No. You’re wrong.' Because you will be. The only way to be right is to believe in nothing and no one. You wanna be a hero? You’d best learn that before your partner drags you down to hell with him. The cops won’t fight the white suits head on, especially not for deranged loose cannons like me or Detective James. Same goes for a rookie cop who can’t do anything right. They believed in the force… And now they’ve got nothing. Do you wanna end up like them or do you wanna end up holding the crowbar when it matters? You gotta be a pragmatist about these things." Howard.

"I- Huh? That makes no sense. If you believe in nothing, why are you a cop? What are you fighting for? Isn't that like the whole point of being a cop? Because you believe in what we have and you want to preserve it?"

"Don’t just take me for some run of the mill liberal. What we have's far from perfect. Same goes for we don’t have. If there’s some kind of perfect world possible, it isn’t my job to figure it out or care. Half this force couldn’t care less either. Being a cop's got nothing to do with being a worthless ideologue. It’s about the gun… And a free pass to do whatever the hell you want. Pay's not too bad, either. But I’m not the kind of guy for moral posturing. I’m just here to get less people killed." Howard. (edited)

Shawn scans the room for anything that can be used as a weapon

11:18 AM

aside from the crowbar

((Roll))

((9))

Nothing.

Shawn looks out the window of the room to see if theres anything he can grab, like a fire exstinguisher or something

((Roll))

((18))

Shawn spots a fire extinguisher.

Shawn motions to Kite that he needs to stay right here

"What?" Kite.

Shawn points at Kite and then points at the ground

"Huh?" Kite.

I'll just... have to sort this out later

11:38 AM

"Howard, I get what you're saying. The power we have puts us above most people, it gives us freedom to do what we want. But I can't just be a mindless killing machine. The things I do... theyre for good."

11:39 AM

Shawn leaves the room and runs for the fire extinguisher. He picks it up and starts attacking the white suits with it

((Roll))

((5))

11:42 AM

((but like this is a thing shawn is good at...))

The white suits shoot at Shawn as he attacks them, but this does nothing. Shawn hits none of them. The girl stays away from the fight.

Shawn continues to fight against them, but keeps a careful eye out on anyone trying to enter the room where Kite is

((Roll))

((17))

Shawn takes down the white suits. "…Disappointing." The girl raises a gun to Kingsley’s head. "But I don’t have to kill you to get what I want. Drop your weapon right now, or he dies." "You have to stop her!" Kingsley.

Shawn whispers to his mic "They're all down but one, but she's got your man"

"What does she want?" Howard. "Are you talking to someone? Hm. So you’ve upgraded from being alone? I’ll have to look into that and deal with them as well. But only if you force me, of course." The girl. "I wouldn’t recommend you do." Kingsley is panicking.

They're not any less of monsters then you Shawn drops the fire extinguisher. "What do you want?"

"I want you to leave us alone. You’ve been endlessly disruptive and you’ve slowed all of us down considerably. If you continue to interfere I will kill everyone you know. And I’ll do it slowly, so all they know for the rest of eternity is that same pain. And it will be your fault. Just let him win once!" The girl.

"Him?"

"The grandmaster of the New Edlightenment. My father. That’s all you get to know." The girl.

Shawn takes out his earpiece "I put on this mask so that I can do good. And I'll be honest, I'm having a really hard time placing good from bad right now. I'm not interested in disrupting you for the sake of disrupting you, but I will do it if the thing you're working towards is actually bad."

12:17 PM

"We've talked once before. You guys captured Lelouch, who's also terrible. But I don't know the first thing about you"

12:18 PM

"I don't want you to kill these two cops, or Kite. That's all I'm here for."

"It’s not my place to know right from wrong, either. I told you the last time we met. What I do, I do for love. …Have you ever felt what it’s like to lose that love? To be alone? If you don’t, then there’s simply nothing I can do for you. All I want is to remove these 2 from being my obstacles. The same goes for you and your boyfriend. There is no negotiating with me on this… Because this is all I have. All I could ever hope to want." The girl. "Ah… Well… A lot of people are alone. I don’t think… Most of them jump to murder cults." Kingsley.

"I'm on the verge of losing my love too. And... I've been alone for a long time, too. I've been where you are, just earlier today. It's the worst I've ever felt. But... I can't just stop this. Just like you can't stop what you're doing. As long as we're both motivated to do things for who we love, we're going to come in conflict. And..." Shawn motions around, pointing out all the men he defeated and the back room where Kite is "That's not good for either of us."

"Then I guess I’ll just have to make you suffer the consequences." The girl prepares to shoot Kingsley. The detective jumps up from behind her and wraps the handcuffs around her neck, strangling her with it. The girl drops the gun. "There’s nothing I despise more than people who oppose the law solely for reasons as self-serving as love. You abandon even the effort of trying to understand morality. You’re worse than delusional… You’re less than human." The girl lost consciousness, and the detective let her go.

Shawn rushes to take off the handcuffs around the detectives and puts one of them on the girl

The girl is handcuffed. "Haha… Wow… She could’ve shot me. I’d never have had the courage to do that in your place, detective…" Kingsley. "I know." She picks up the girl's gun and aims it at Shawn. "Hands in the air."

"What are you going to do, shoot me?" Shawn says flippantly (edited)

12:50 PM

"Get to a hospital and get your cop friends to clean these other guys up. I'm taking my friend."

12:51 PM

Shawn puts his earpiece back in. "I got your guys out, now can you get me a medic for Kite?"

"No, you’re not. You’re an illegal vigilante. You’re under arrest." The detective. "I’m calling one over. Make sure they don’t run again. I need to ask them a question." Howard.

Shawn looks over at the lady "Lady, you wanna look around and see what I did to all the other guys here?"

"I don’t care. I’m doing my job. You can’t intimidate the law." Detective. "Uh… But he’s on our side." Kingsley. "That’s for the courts to decide." Detective.

"Listen, lady, I didn't come all this way to save you just for you to try to arrest me. I'm on your side, alright?"

1:00 PM

"Have you read a comic book? It's like that."

"This isn’t a comic book. This is reality. You can’t simply do whatever you want with no regard for the law." Detective. "He can’t?" Kingsley.

"So... Would you have prefered I didn't come save you?"

1:04 PM

"If I followed the law to the letter, you'd be dead."

"It’s a necessary sacrifice if it means upholding the law." Detective. "So noble…" Kingsley was impressed.

"I here you... But I'm not a criminal. I'm a hero, and I'm here to do good. The things I'm doing... Or at least what I'm trying to do... are for the best. And if the law can't adapt to that, then it's the law that's flawed."

1:09 PM

"Isn't the point of the law to try to do good things and prevent bad things? If a law is preventing good from happening, then the law needs to change."

"You don’t get to decide that! The law is decided by the people over countless years, not by 1 person who thinks he can do better because it serves him now!" Detective.

"You can't just base the law off of what people said a hundred years ago. Times have changed."

"And the law has as well, but it’s gathered wisdom for far longer than you. It’s built from countless men's ideas of right and wrong. You? You couldn’t even understand the wisdom of 1 man." Detective.

"Listen, I don't have time to be lectured about the law from you. I know right from wrong, alright? Shoot me if you think it'll make you feel better." (edited)

1:17 PM

Shawn starts walking away towards the room where Kite is

"Put your hands on the air!" Detective. "Beetle! I have a question…" Kingsley.

"What's up, Kingsley?"

"Did you see anyone who… Wasn’t wearing a white suit around? Wearing masks." Kingsley.

"Unless you mean Kite, no."

“No, I don’t." Kingsley. "Right now, they’re probably busy killing Carolyn Blythe. That’s where I’ll catch them." Detective. "They’re… What? Wait, is that why you told them?" Kingsley.

"The serial killer? That's probably good then, right?"

1:24 PM

"I thought you law-abiding cops were all about defending her, though."

"Carolyn Blythe never killed anyone." Her tone is almost robotic as she says this. "She’s been doing that ever since she tried to arrest Carolyn a few days ago… It’s kind of confusing." Kingsley.

"..."

1:26 PM

"Say, have you two met anyone named Lelouch Maoziwam?"

"…Yes." Detective. "…I punched her in the face once." Kingsley.

"I've kicked her a couple times."

Ehn/PC

"…Yes." Detective. "…I punched her in the face once." Kingsley.

"I assume that whole Carolyn Blythe thing is cus of her then. If you can't answer me, you don't have to."

"You could say that." Detective. "How exactly would that work?" Kingsley. "She only cares about doing what’s right."

"I've... had a couple run ins with her."

1:37 PM

"And listen to me, she is by far the most dangerous person I've ever met."

1:38 PM

"Talk about 'the law' all you want, but against her, it's not going to do anything. Hell, I'm struggling against her."

1:38 PM

"But me and my friend are the best chance anyone's got against them."

"It’s worth following the law anyway." Detective. Sirens become audible.

"What's your name, Detective?"

"Jessica James."

"I know we're technically enemies and all but... If you ever need help dealing with the stuff she told you, reach out to me."

1:45 PM

"I'm going to go get my friend to the hospital. See ya."

"No, you’re not. Put your hands in the air." James.

"Shoot me if you want. But I'm on your side."

1:49 PM

Shawn walks over to the place where kite is

She shoots Shawn, accomplishing nothing. Kite is standing up now, but he seems dizzy.

"Can you hear me?"

"Speak up!" Kite. "Hands in the air!" James.

Shawn pulls out his phone and points at his phone to Kite. He then sends him a text message

"Your ears are damaged, you can't hear me."

(edited)

1:57 PM

"I got a medic for u outside"

(edited)

"I don’t need your help, bro! Leave me alone! I gotta go be a hero!" Kite tries to punch Shawn, but just falls over instead. "Put your hands in the air or I will shoot!" James.

"You've shot me once, it's been ineffective."

2:01 PM

"If you shoot again you might hit him, and right now he can't hear you."

2:01 PM

"He's innocent in all this, leave him out."

"He’s a vigilante too." James.

"What i mean is that you can't shoot him for resisting arrest if he can't hear you."

2:03 PM

"He's not able to process you arresting him."

2:04 PM

"Listen, we can deal with this later, can you help me get him to a hospital?"

"Using a disability as a shield from the law. You disgust me." James. "Enough." Howard walked into the room. "Take your half-assed moral posturing somewhere else. I’ll handle these 2. You just focus on getting that girl in for interrogation." "Detective Scott." She turned around and aimed her gun at him. "Jesus Christ, you’re like a kid." Howard walked over to Shawn, ignoring her. "Good job."

"You'd better hold up your end of the bargin."

"Which is?" Howard. "Stop ignoring me!" James. "If you want to shoot an unarmed officer not breaking any laws to make some point about how sad it is you don’t matter, be my guest. But I wouldn’t exactly call you smart or consistent if you did." Howard didn’t even look at her. "You’re the only one stupid enough to care about these laws, so go handle them.” "You… Ugh." She left.

"I saved your guys, so you better take care of him."

2:12 PM

"Make sure the hospital doesn't look under his mask or anything."

"That seems impossible, given the injury is on his head." Howard sighed. "But yes, there’s an ambulance here too." "Stop talking without me!" Kite.

Kite, I can explain everything later, but right now, the bullet that hit you fucked up your hearing, and you need to go to the hospital ASAP

2:19 PM

Howard can confirm

2:20 PM

"Howard, say something to kite"

"What?" Howard. "I’m not going to the hospital! I’m gonna be fine!" Kite.

I don't think its a serious injury, but if you don't treat it, you're going to go deaf permanently

"Shut up! I don’t need your help!" Kite. "Officer Kingsley!" Howard called out. "What is it?" Kingsley ran to them. He’s no longer handcuffed. "Bring him to the ambulance and sort that out." Howard.

It's going to be okay, Kite, calm down. I took care of the bad guys

"But that’s my job!" Kite.

It is, but you got shot, man! We're supposed to be a team, I'm the one who gets shot, not you

"And you left me!" Kite goes for another punch and fails. Kingsley helps Kite back up and leads him away.

I'm sorry. I can explain everything

He doesn’t reply.

I didn't mean what I said back there. You're my best friend, I'd never leave you willingly. I'm sorry for everything

2:35 PM

Shawn doesnt expect Kite to reply

"You said you were looking for someone earlier, right?" Howard.

"Yeah. Maria Stanley."

"I’ll look into her for you. In the meantime, you should be there for that cultist's interrogation tomorrow. You’ve run into her more than any of us. You might be able to catch something we couldn’t."

"Honestly, i feel like you might know more about her than me. I barely know her name."

2:39 PM

"But yeah, I can."

"I’ve got nothing on her name yet, either. But we’ll run her through the system. Something might pop up." Howard.

"Sounds good."

"…But you won today. You took her down, finally. Kite couldn’t do that alone. You 2 couldn’t do it together either. But you could alone. Are you sure you’re not carrying this team?" Howard.

"..."

2:46 PM

"I couldn't do this alone. I've had to do that once before, and... Kite is bold and rash and makes stupid decisions a lot but I couldn't do it without him."

2:47 PM

"Besides, the only reason we couldn't do it before was because she took a gun to Kite's head. She did the same thing now, but James managed to fight her off. I'm able to fight well, but I can't deal with hostages at all."

He sighs. "Every cop’s trained for a hostage negotiation. In theory, you lure the criminal into a false sense of security, tell them they’ll get what they want, and then you turn it around on them. But that’s just stupid. Any criminal smart enough to take a hostage knows they’re not getting out safely. They’ve already got an escape plan. Which means the only time they think they’re safe is before you try to make them safe. You gotta rush in. No hesitation. Because most people? They do have that hesitation. If she were so willing to kill, Kite would’ve been dead long before you got here. She hesitated. You don’t."

((Saturday))

"I guess that makes sense. I'm still scared though, what if they fire the gun as a sudden reaction to me rushing at them? When it comes to people I care about, taking risks like that is really intimidating."

"That’s the problem, kid. You’ve gotta let go."

"How can I? They're the whole reason I do this."

He sighs. "It’s like I told you earlier. If you do it for anything, you’re just begging for problems."

"I still don't really get that. How... How can you not do it for anything?"

2:39 PM

"If it's just for personal fufilment then... I don't know, why not just play video games?"

"It’s simple, you see. I do it for me. That’s the same reason anyone does anything. You save Kite because his existence benefits you. Detective James follows the law because it makes her feel good about herself. It doesn’t matter how you phrase it, what you want… At the core of every single human in this world is a selfish heart. The only reason anyone's selfless is because they have to be. A social contract. If you’re a real piece of shit, you wind up alone and hating yourself. That’s why people adopt self-deception and convince themselves they’re right. Doesn’t matter if you’re helping an old lady cross the street, or killing dozens. You trick yourself into thinking it’s for a good cause, but there’s no such thing as someone motivated by anything but greed and selfishness. Once you get that, life goes down a lot easier. That’s what Kite'll probably never understand."

Shawn pauses for a second

"I don't know if you're wrong. Humans are animals, and animals are fundimentally self interested. And thinking we're that far above animals is silly. But... I don't know, there's good in the concept of doing good, yknow? Like... Even if we're all fundamentally selfish, that's still beautiful on some level. There's still value in protecting that."

2:57 PM

"Maybe it is selfish of me to wear this mask and do what I do, but if my selfish intrests are "Making other people happy and safe." I can live with that."

He chuckles smugly. "A romanticist, huh? I’d hoped you’d be more logical."

"Hah. Kite's the romantic, I'm supposed to be the logical one. But... I think if I didn't have a little bit of that spark in me, I wouldn't be able to get out of bed every morning and put on this mask."

"When the spark dies, give me a call… If you’re still alive, of course." He sighs. "I’ll see you tomorrow."

"That sounds like it comes from expirience..."

3:09 PM

"See you, Detective Scott."

He leaves.

Shawn decides to leave before the police arrive to clean up the scene. He doesn't want to attract more attention to himself

3:10 PM

He sends another message to Lelouch

3:14 PM

He then sends a message to Kite

Kite, I'm really sorry about all of this. I still care a lot about you and I really want to resume our adventures as soon as you've recovered. I'm sorry for everything

No response.

Didn't expect one

3:19 PM

What time is it

It’s late evening.

It's been a long, long day. Shawn goes home

His parents are home.

Shawn tries to avoid them. He’s hungry but he can go to bed hungry. Right now he’d rather not talk

Shawn makes it to his room.

Shawn collapses onto his bed. It’s been a long and agonizing day, and Shawn suspects it’ll be the first of many, but just for today, he kept Kite safe

3:40 PM

As Shawn drifts off, he thinks about what Howard told him. Can Shawn really maintain being a superhero while holding onto these emotional connections? Is being a superhero even worth it without them? Shawn doesn’t know for sure

Shawn falls asleep. ((End chapter))

Shawn is standing in an empty corridor.

"Where is he, where is he..."

3:58 PM

Shawn searches down the corridor

Shawn reaches the right room.

Shawn breathes heavily. He's holding flowers in his right hand.

4:02 PM

He knocks on the door

No answer.

"Are you there? It's me."

No answer.

He wouldn't respond, anyway.

4:09 PM

Shawn opens the door

Kite is inside, laying on the bed. He’s looking away from Shawn.

"Kite? Can you hear me?"

He doesn’t answer.

"I guess not."

4:12 PM

Usually hospitals have the patient schedules listed on their doors. Shawn checks the schedule.

He’s already had his surgery. "Get out." Kite.

"Kite, I-"

"What!?" He turns over. His injured ear is fully gone.

"Oh..."

4:19 PM

"I'm... I-"

“Just say it!"

"I'm so sorry."

“Sorry for what?"

"For... Everything. Just... All of this, I don't know. Everything that happened yesterday."

He forces an overconfident smile. "What are you talking about, bro? I just got this awesome battle scar. It just makes me look even more awesome."

4:29 PM

"As you can see, I'm doing pretty great at this hero thing on my own, so you can go back to hanging out with villains all you want. I don't need you."

Ugh. I wish this was a dream

4:31 PM

"I'm... I'm not a villain. I hate doing that."

4:31 PM

"Yesterday was the worst day of my life."

Shawn Duveldt

Ugh. I wish this was a dream

Me too.

4:32 PM

"Heh, sucks to be you I guess. I did pretty great, all things considered."

Shawn sits down at a bedside seat

4:33 PM

"You did. You did amazingly. You kicked her ass."

4:34 PM

"Jade's in the hospital too now. Maybe this one. Not sure."

"Just another one of my many Ws, as the kids say." He smirks.

Shawn laughs, and then looks down solemnly

"Hehe..." He pauses. "What do you want, bro? Are you just gonna come crawling back?"

"I just... I didn't want this. None of this. I want things to go back to how they were before. Like... When we were in that convenience store? Remember that?"

"...Nope. No clue what you mean."

"Come on, it was like... six days ago? At the store right by our school, there were robbers and we stopped them. We were heros!"

"Nah. Not ringing any bells. Last I checked, I've only ever worked alone."

Shawn looks dejected

4:45 PM

"Kite, I... We're partners. We're the Advent Guard. That's... I told you yesterday. If I ever go against you or betray you in any way, it's out of my control. I would never do that intentionally."

"Uh-huh, sure. Whatever."

"I-I'm serious!"

4:46 PM

"Please, man."

4:47 PM

"I... I can't lose you."

"Yeah? Well I've lost plenty already. I've got enough experience to lose you and not bat an eye."

"..."

4:49 PM

"What can I do to make things right?"

4:49 PM

"How do I prove to you that I'm always on your side?"

"That's not my problem."

"Wh-What does that mean?"

"It means I don't care!"

"..."

4:53 PM

"You're the reason I do all this, bro. You're the reason I wear the mask."

"Sounds like you're a pretty shitty hero, then. Being a hero's about more than just being a clingy fanboy. Without you, I'm still a hero. Without me, you're nothing."

"That's not what I... I do this because I care about helping people! About saving them! And that includes you!"

5:00 PM

"What I mean is that you're the one who inspired me to do this. I'm a hero, but I was made that way because you're a better one. And I can accept that! I can live with that. But..."

5:00 PM

"I can't let you get hurt. That's my job, isn't it? I'm the sidekick and you're the hero, my armor keeps you safe."

"..." He doesn't respond.

"Look at yourself, man. You would've bled to death yesterday if I didn't help you. We're the Advent Guard! We work as a team!"

5:03 PM

"That's... that's the way it should be."

"..." He doesn't respond. "What happened yesterday? Did she get away again?"

"Almost. One of the captured detectives knocked her out. She's in police custody now."

"..."

"I couldn't do shit against her when it came down to it. She had a gun to Kingsley's head and if James hadn't jumped in and stopped her, I probably would have hesitated long enough for her to escape."

5:07 PM

"I'm not... I can't be a hero without you. I've tried. I've failed." (edited)

"Just go, bro."

"Not without you."

"..." He smiled.

"Do you... Do you think we can do this?"

"Do what?"

"Bring back the Advent Guard? Bring things back to how they used to be?"

"...I'll think about it."

Shawn lifts his head and softly smiles

5:25 PM

“Thank you, bro.”

"I don't want your thanks."

“…sorry.”

"...Just let me rest, okay?"

“Alright”

5:32 PM

Shawn leaves the flowers in a vase on the stand near Kites bed. He heads out the door “See you, Kite. Get some rest, and… call me, alright? Take care.”

He doesn't answer.

Shawn leaves

((End session))

Shawn is in the corridor outside of Kite's hospital room.

Shawn heads out of the hospital

This happens.

What time is it right now?

It's still early morning.

It's a schoolday, technically

2:18 PM

Yesterday was awful, though. Shawn doesn't really want to go

2:19 PM

Shawn talked with Howard earlier. When did he say to arrive for the interrogation?

He didn't give a specific time.

Shawn radios him with his earpiece "Hey, what time should I be there?"

No response.

Shawn decides to head over there now

2:28 PM

Might as well

2:30 PM

(Shawn also changes sometime)

The police station is operating as usual. The police actively avoid Shawn.

Shawn looks around for Howard

((Roll))

((15))

Howard is talking to Ariel May in the observation room next to the interrogation room. Through the glass, the girl can be seen sitting alone.

Shawn sorta stands there silently, not wanting to disturb him while he's talking to her (edited)

"You're here." Howard turns to Shawn. Ariel waves slightly.

"Who's this?"

"Ariel May. I had an idea for how she could help us, but it seems there's been a mistake on her part." Howard. "Sorry." Ariel.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

"Don't worry about it." Howard sighed. "These kinds of irrelevant details will just confuse you." Howard.

"Don't patronize me, man. I wanna know the info if I'm going to help you out."

"I'm not patronizing you. I'm just not telling you what doesn't matter." Howard.

“Ugh”

3:35 PM

“Who are you?” He says to Ariel

"I just told you." Howard. "I’m Ariel May." Ariel May.

"I got that. I-"

4:01 PM

"Whatever we can talk later. Did Howard explain who I am already?"

"No. I assumed you’d still be busy at this time." Howard sighs. "I have to get some things done first. But if you want to start early with Detective James, be my guest."

"Are you interogatting her?"

4:09 PM

"That reminds me, she said something odd yesterday."

"I’ll catch up afterwards." He pauses. "What is it?"

"It's about Blythe. James mentioned some people going after her to get rid of her, and that she would go and stop them." Shawn says hushed (edited)

4:15 PM

"Wouldn't explain why. Has something to do with Maoziwam though, I think."

"Ah… That. Blythe's fine, apparently. No fighting or anything." He pauses. "What’s Maoziwam got to do with this?"

"Not the adult one. The kid. Lelouch. I've... talked with her a couple times"

4:17 PM

"I've told you before, I can't really say why, but I think she's at the center of all of this."

"…That’s absurd." Howard sighs. "Lelouch Maoziwam is just a kid. I… Knew a guy who was close to her when she was young. He raised her right. I trust him that much." He starts walking away. "Come on, Ariel."

"Don't underestimate kids, Detective."

Howard smirks. "I’m an old man. I’m not gonna fold to children." He left. Ariel waves to Shawn and leaves. "Bye!"

Shawn waves

4:27 PM

He looks at The Girl through the 1 way mirror

She’s just sitting there.

((Saturday))

((?))

Shawn heads to the place where Detective James is

She’s at her desk. "…You again."

“Heya. Scott told me to… check in with you? Not sure.”

2:14 PM

“How are you? Did you recover okay?”

She stares at Shawn intensely. "I’m not willing to divulge that information to a criminal."

I’ll never understand women

2:17 PM

“Okay”

"Do you really trust Howard Scott?"

“I can’t exactly be picky with my allies” (edited)

2:22 PM

“He’s…. Honest, I guess. I don’t agree with him on much, but I can respect that he knows what he wants”

"He does not know anything." She stood up. "He's a coward... And a fool. But most of all, he has no respect for the law. If I had any choice in the matter, he'd be considered a criminal and imprisoned. If you want to be a hero, do it through the proper channels and with the right people."

“…”

2:27 PM

“I told you what I think yesterday. We don’t agree on very much, but the thing we both agree on is that believing in the law is going to lead you astray eventually. The only thing you can really believe is yourself”

"You are fallible. Every single person in this world is fallible. We're not machines, as much as we may pretend. We don't know right from wrong, we can only pretend to. If given the chance, we will always simply become slaves to our emotions. We will always make mistakes. Only as a collective can we even approach objectivity. So the belief you place in yourself... It's worth nothing. It's simply confident hypocrisy."

“Hm… it’s not that I don’t agree with you. There’s no true morality and even if there is, there’s no real way to know it. But the law is as good a guess as any other”

2:42 PM

“Haven’t you heard the saying ‘a person is smart, people are dumb’? I don’t know if that’s actually a saying or not”

2:43 PM

“Objectivity isn’t real, we just convince ourselves it is when we get into a big enough group”

"So you believe one person’s wishes outweigh the many? How selfish. If everyone believed you, it’d be anarchy."

“One persons wishes should be towards the safety of the many. That’s how every person should be. And everyone constantly clashes on which ideas are the best ones, and as long as everyone is willing to learn and willing to move forward, the best option will emerge on top” (edited)

3:11 PM

“It’s not anarchy. It’s… democratic, I guess”

"So the weak don’t deserve a voice? The strongest decide for everyone. Power overrules logic."

“In an ideal world, the only strength that matters would be the strength of the idea.”

3:14 PM

“I’m not really one for intense ideological debates. Like I said, I like to be constantly learning. What I do know for sure is that I can help people in a way no one else can right now, and it’d be terrible if I didn’t take up this opportunity.”

"Helping people? You're the threat."

“I’m the threat? I saved you”

She just stares at him. "Detective James!" An officer runs over to them. "We have the results on who that woman in the white suit is."

Shawn does the rock eyebrow pose thing but you can’t see it behind his helmet. He’s clearly inquisitive tho

"Lillian Mooney. Her parents were killed in the original Edlightenment case. No surviving family. Doesn't seem like she was ever adopted, either." The officer.

“Well, at least we have a name.”

4:20 PM

“Do we know when she joined up with these guys?”

"No idea." The officer. "Let’s see what she has to say about it." Detective James heads towards the interrogation room.

Shawn follows

Lillian watches them enter the room. "You 2 don’t exactly make a sensible duo. What happened to justice going beyond what the law can accomplish? What happened to the law being absolute? I’m almost disappointed in your convictions." James sits down in front of her without answering.

Shawn remains standing, leaning against the wall near the table

4:26 PM

Well, she wasn’t my first choice for interrogation partner, either

"Lillian Mooney. Orphan. No living family. Unemployed." Detective James. "…Kerloe." Lillian spits out this name. "What?" James. "My name is Lillian Kerloe. Like you said, the Mooney family is dead." Lillian.

“Records say you were never adopted. Is this some kind of like… Kerloe is with the New Edlightment, yeah? You consider yourself part of his family now?”

Lillian doesn’t answer. "Kerloe… It’s not exactly a common name. If memory serves, it was also in the news recently. The Kerloe fishery explosion. Did that have something to do with you, then?" James. Lillian smiles.

“Nah, she wasn’t. Her organization was tho.”

4:33 PM

“There were two people at the Kerloe fishery that day. The owner, Hav, and a white suit. Like you. Is that your new father? Hav Kerloe’s…. Brother? Cousin?”

4:34 PM

“Tell us about him”

"…" Lillian. "You were involved with that too?" Detective James turns to him.

“I saw it happen. A bomb at Kerloe Fishery, and half a block away, Hav Kerloe and a white suit switched the detonator. Jeff Johnner took them away in a car, along with one other guy. But I assume she knows all that already.”

Lillian remains silent. "And you didn’t come forward as a witness?" James.

“I mean….”

4:41 PM

Shawn gestures at himself

4:41 PM

“Let’s not get off topic. What’s your endgame, Lillian.”

4:42 PM

“There have been a whole string of kidnappings in the last week by your organization.”

"…What do you think happens when you die?" Lillian. "That doesn’t matter." James.

“No idea.”

"You’re both so unimaginative." Lillian sighs. "I don’t care about hypotheticals. My job is to care about the present." James. "When you die, the only things left behind are feelings. If you die happy, you’ll remain happy for eternity. If you die miserable, you’ll remain miserable for eternity. That’s one of Edlightenment's beliefs." Lillian.

“Aren’t you guys anti Edlightment? They’re the ones who lead to the deaths of all your families, aren’t they?” (edited)

"No. …Don’t you understand? Those people were not my family. The only family I’ve ever had… Is the one I have now." Lillian. "So your new cult isn’t defined by the original beliefs at all?" James. "Oh, no. The others are certainly true believers. That’s exactly why they’re so grateful their families died." Lillian.

“I’m a little lost… do you believe the same thing or not?”

"Loosely." Lillian. "Why would anyone be grateful their families were murdered?" James. "…You really don’t get it?" Lillian.

Shawn pauses for a second

5:05 PM

“So that day with me and Kite… that really was a trap, wasn’t it?”

5:07 PM

“I suspected as much after the fact.”

5:08 PM

“What does this have to do with the kidnappings?”

"Not exactly." Lillian. "What are you talking about?" James.

“If what you’re saying is true, what’s the difference between you and the therapist? Why’s there a ‘new Edlightment’ if you’re not out for revenge?” (edited)

"That was a personal choice. I am my own person, you know? I hold personal grudges sometimes. The kind I can’t simply act on by myself." Lillian. James grabs Shawn by the shoulders. "Tell me what you’re talking about!"

“She contacted me and Kite the day before the Kerloe incident. She tricked us and made us go to the scene of Gus Amons murder. I have no clue who did it, but we nearly got framed because of her.” (edited)

"Did you… Take a gun from the scene?" James.

“No. We took nothing. The cuts in the wall were us tho. Or… that was Kite. Not me.”

"Blythe claimed he killed himself, but the lack of weapon and clear signs of fighting told us otherwise." James.

“It was Blythe herself, probably.”

"You don’t know that." James says that too forcefully.

Shawn stares at her for a few seconds

5:22 PM

He turns to Lillian

5:22 PM

"Lelouch Maoziwam. You kidnapped her twice. Why?"

"The first time, we thought she was someone else. The second, she attacked us first. It's not like we're even allowed to hurt her, you know?" Lillian. "Why not?" James. "Gus Amon. He may be dead, but people are 'honoring his memory' by letting the girl he saw as a daughter live. I wouldn't bother keeping her alive if it was my choice." Lillian.

Lelouch did mention a "Gus" a couple times.

5:34 PM

"Gus Amon was with you?"

"Not really." Lillian.

That also... That explains why she was at the murder scene. She didn't kill him... She was investigating his murder.

5:36 PM

Ugh, how didn't I see that sooner

5:37 PM

"Sophie Wight then. Why were you after her?"

5:38 PM

"And the other two." (edited)

5:38 PM

"ESPECIALLY that bandaged guy. Who even was he?"

Lillian doesn't answer.

Shawn moves to the table and slams his hands on it (edited)

5:45 PM

“What are you after?”

"..." Lillian. "Asking such direct questions obviously isn't going to work." James. "I've told you everything I can. If you seriously expect me to ruin my own plans, you're clearly a fool." Lillian.

Shawn moves off the table (edited)

"Really, if you were going to ask me about Edlightenment... You should've brought the one who actually experienced that." Lillian. (edited)

Shawn is a little taken aback

5:52 PM

"He would be here if it wasn't for you."

5:52 PM

Shawn shakes his head

5:52 PM

"Can I ask you something different."

5:53 PM

"When we first met, you saw what my suit could do. You fired a minigun at me. I met your boss later on, and he seemed totally unaware of what my suit could do."

5:53 PM

"Did you just forget to tell him?"

"He can be very persistent." Lillian.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"..." Lillian.

Shawn leans back again

James motions for him to follow her, and steps outside of the interrogation room.

Shawn follows

"You need to bring in your partner. She’s clearly implying she wants to speak to him. It might be our only chance for her to tell us about Jeff Johnner." James.

"What? No. No can do. He's in the hospital, he needs to recover."

6:16 PM

"You don't know why she said that, do you? Kite... has a history with these guys."

6:16 PM

"She was just alluding to that."

"She may have admitted to her own crimes, but she’s not going to say anything against her boss normally. If we don’t try everything we legally can, she’ll just be arrested without giving us anything. You friend isn’t as important as the law."

"I... Ugh. I don't want to compromise his health. He needs to recover."

"His safety means nothing against the law."

"Why does he need to be here anyway? It's hazardous to his health, and I doubt he's going to get us any more info then she's already given."

"It’s just like I thought. You vigilantes always put yourselves before doing what’s right. You don’t care about right and wrong, it’s all just a game to you."

"Don't guilt trip me. You wouldn't ask a cop to come to work the day after they amputated her ear."

"Of course I would. I’d even do the same if I lost my own ear. That’s the job."

"Ugh. Can I talk to Scott before we do."

"He’s not back yet." James. "Yare yare daze." Kite walks in, completely butchering the pronunciation. "Kept you waiting, huh? You really think I’m just gonna stand by and let you guys do all the work. I’m the hero here, y’know?" He plants the crowbar on his shoulder and poses dramatically.

"Kite!!!"

"…Hey, bro." He doesn’t look Shawn in the eye. "…Ugh. You’re the worse one of the 2, aren’t you?" James. "I’m the best of the one and only!" Kite. "That would also make you the worst." James. "Whatever! I’m not being literal. Every word I say's pretty much poetry, y’know?" Kite.

"Yes! So true!"

7:03 PM

"He's the better of us two, honestly."

Kite frowns. "I’m just gonna get to work. You guys are free to watch my genius on the sidelines." "You are not a detective. I can’t just let you in there alone." James. Kite smirks. "Of course I’m not a detective… Don’t you know the hero's always the guy who cleans up for the cops?" "That’s pure fiction." James. "Of course it’s pure fiction… Did you think I’d be going for impure fiction?" Kite points to his bandaged missing ear. "You can claim it’s just fiction all you want, but I’m pretty deep into this stock hero role at this point. I just keep on getting more badass. And you? You don’t even have a single cool scar, how embarrassing!" He laughs confidently.

Shawn is kinda amazed that Kite can go back to his usual humor antics after losing an ear (edited)

7:09 PM

"We should all go in together, yeah. We all have info the others don't know. She knows about Johnner, I know about Lillian, and Kite knows about the Edlightment"

7:09 PM

"By the way, the girl who shot you is named Lillian Mooney."

"You really trust this unstable lunatic?" James. Kite swings open the door, and swings the crowbar into the table. "Talk or I’m gonna kill you!" "DO NOT DO THAT!" James. Lillian is amused.

Shawn looks over at James and shrugs

"I see your ear didn’t heal." Lillian says smugly. "Yeah. Thanks for that, your role as a villain at least accomplished this." Kite. Lillian laughs. "So you really are just as broken as the rest of them."

Shawn steps into the room after Kite

7:18 PM

"The rest of them? You mean the Edlightment kids? Like you?"

"The believers, yes." Lillian. "Uh-huh… And what do they believe in? Villain fashion?" Kite. "The teachings of Edward Blythe, obviously." Lillian.

"Where do you guys get all the suits anyway. They have to be expensive. Is there like an Edlightment-brand dry cleaners?"

7:25 PM

Shawn refocuses "You and the other kids have been indoctrinated into this whole death cult."

"They had nothing else to hold onto. So… We told them the truth." Lillian. "Stop talking in riddles and just spit it out, you bitch!" Kite. "We told them that their parents' murder was not a loss… But a gift. They’d been generously saved by Carolyn Blythe." Lillian.

"A real convenient 'truth' for you guys"

"Those who’ve lost everything very easily accept justification." James. "Can you shut the hell up, already? I don’t remember asking for your help." Kite. "You’re the unwelcome one here." James. "Details, details! Just sit back and stop whining!" Kite.

"You're the one who asked for him to be here." Shawn, to James

7:45 PM

Shawn turns to Lillian "You asked me earlier if I believed in an afterlife. I don't. I think we have just one life, this one, and we have to choose how to live it. It's all in the moment."

7:46 PM

"What you're doing is... It's a death cult, meant to coerce traumatized kids into being your goons. It's sick."

"…That’s what you do for family." Lillian. "Stop stalling. What'd you do to convince them she’s a hero?" Kite. "It’s simple… The world is a cold and cruel place. No matter what, we always get hurt and spiral into misery eventually. We can recover, but only temporarily. They were happy that day… And so they granted a chance to take part in eternal happiness. Without risk or consequence. It’d be a gift, don’t you think? In the end… The New Edlightenment is the hero." Lillian. Kite swung the crowbar at her face, stopping just short of hitting her. She jumped in fear, her confidence broken. "Shut the hell up! What kind of shitty justification is that? Eternal happiness? Who the hell would want that? Happiness is only good 'cause it breaks through the bad moments, I’ve got no use for a life full of nonstop bliss! If I’m not getting beat down and fighting back, I’m not alive! And if I’m not alive, that’s not happiness! It’s not any other emotion, either… It’s nothing short of fantasy!" "Fantasy? You’re playing superhero-" Lillian. "That’s a fantasy I chose for myself! If you wanna go off and kill yourself to pretend it’ll make you happy, be my guest! But you don’t get to go off and choose for anyone else! Only a real hero like me has that kind of power!" Kite.

God, how did I ever do it without him

8:38 PM

"Yeah!"

8:38 PM

"You're so right."

"Stop threatening the suspect with violence, or I’m going to arrest you too." James. "You really think I’m gonna back down just because some woman wants to act cocky? Where are the real detectives waiting at? And while I’m waiting for them to show up, why don’t you go and make me a sandwich?" He lets out a cocky laugh. "That’s a joke! I already ate!" Detective James looks incredibly annoyed, but can’t think of any legal response to that. "Ah… I’m really getting into this solo hero spirit." Kite.

"Hey... We're still a team..."

"…" Kite looks away from Shawn.

Shawn steps towards Lilian "I don't have hopes to convince you out of this ideology. But I know this mission of yours, spreading this death cult, it's doomed to fail. Because... Happiness, real, good true happiness, can only exist in a world where sadness exists to compare it to. An eternity in paradise wouldn't be anywhere near as satisfying as the moment when you overcome your hardships. If you think heaven is that, and youd prefer that to life, then we don't plan on stopping you. But it's not going to spread, because I think most people agree with me."

9:03 PM

"Most people who aren't horribly traumatized children at least. God, that's so disgusting."

"Ha… I guess they just knew I was way cooler than those other kids. Sorry, but the second you realized I was too powerful to join your cult, it became my destiny to take all of you down." Kite points to himself with his thumb. "And when I’ve broken down your whole plan, your members are gonna have to start a whole new cult in my honour." "…Do you really think we avoided you for years because we were scared of you?" Lillian.

"He was simply too smart for you guys."

"…It’s because his 'bro' stopped it. That’s the only reason he lived your life alone. Nothing else makes him special." Lillian. "…You mean-!?" Kite.

"Uhh...."

9:16 PM

"Who? Do you mean me or..."

"Nothing." Kite. "You know someone with that kind of power? Who is it?" James. "Like I said, I don’t! And even if I did, he definitely wouldn’t be working with these bastards!" Kite. "Did you think he came across you because you were so important? That was the only thing that made you noteworthy. He picked you at random off a list. " Lillian laughs. "Shut the hell up! You’ve got no room to talk! You’d be worth nothing to anyone if not for that stupid cult of yours!" Kite. "My father loves me! I’m useful to plenty of people! You- You’re just alone, desperately pretending someone could ever love you to cope with that fact. But you always will be alone! Because you’re just a sad, pathetic, child who wants to pretend he knows better than anyone he speaks to!" Lillian takes a moment to breathe, before continuing. "…If I’d told you, last Friday, that we were on your side and we’d stick through it… You wouldn’t be here desperately trying to look better than me. You’d be hard at work at New Edlightenment, desperately begging for our approval to be part of our family. You can call us evil for using traumatized children, but you’re twice as pathetic and traumatized as they’ll ever be."

"Speak for yourself, asshole."

9:36 PM

"Kite HAS people who love and care about him, and they do it for who he is, not for how well he can fit into whatever suicide cult mold they need him to be part of."

9:38 PM

"Fuck, the Edlightment wasn't even on our side last Friday. You were! You broke from their code to commission us on your revenge mission. If anyone's a failure to them, it's you."

"If you ask me... I'd say you're the most traumatized of all the kids. You wanna pretend you're so much cooler and smarter than the rest... But I bet that dad of yours couldn't care less about you." Kite. Lillian grimaces in rage and looks away, defeated. "Yes... Good job. You're both so traumatized and childish, so you commit crime. Unfortunately, that doesn't tell us anything." James.

((Not sure if you’ll have a session, depends on other progress but if you do it’ll be on Saturday))

((If you have a session on Saturday it’ll start late))

1

((Hi))

"Yes... Good job. You're both so traumatized and childish, so you commit crime. Unfortunately, that doesn't tell us anything." James.

"Kite, do you have any idea what these guys are after?"

"Evil stuff, obviously!" Kite.

No luck, then

"Tell us what you know." James slams her fist into the table in front of Lillian. "Do you seriously believe I’m going to tell you anything after that? You’re such a fool." Lillian.

"Kite, you know more about their organization then either of us. Do you know any way to make her talk?"

"Torture!" Kite. "No!" James.

"Something ethical?"

"You weren’t yelling about ethics back when you-!" Kite is interrupted by Howard walking in. "Only the most by-the-book interrogation, I imagine?" Howard smirks.

“Hey, Detective.”

4:00 PM

“Yeah it’s uh…” Shawn looks around “Going well?”

"No luck on getting her to spill where Johnner’s hiding? A shame. Good news is, I think we found your missing girl." Howard. "…Johnner?" Lillian leans forward, confident. "Oh, I can tell you about Jeff Johnner."

“What do you know about Jeff Johnner?”

"Jeff Johnner is the second in command of the Avengard mob. He’s a foreigner with a fake name, though I don’t know his original one. He was brought here specifically to start this criminal empire. And… He’s at the mall." Lillian. "What?" Howard and Kite both say this simultaneously, then look at each other annoyed. "The mob has a hideout in the employee section of the mall." Lillian.

"Jeff Johnner is a fake name? Who could've guessed that..."

4:12 PM

"What do you know about their first in command?"

"Nothing. Only Johnner himself knows that." Lillian.

"I see. Why are you so willing to give up info about Johnner and the mob?"

4:13 PM

"I know they were involved with the Kerloe Fishery incident. I thought they were your allies?"

Lillian goes silent.

"Is this a personal thing, or an organization thing?" How does Lilian stand to benefit from the mob being taken down?

Lilian remains silent. "Well, we’ve got what we needed." Howard smiles widely. "Checkmate, Johnner." "Hey! The cool lines go to me, got it?" Kite. (edited)

"Do you know anything about Grizz Soniaquill?"

Lillian remains silent.

"That's all I got."

"Then go get your friend. When you come back, it’ll be time to finish this." Howard. "What’s he talking about, bro?" Kite.

"I'll tell you about it when we're out of earshot of her." Shawn looks at Lilian

4:27 PM

Shawn prepares to exit

Kite follows.

Does Howard also follow

4:29 PM

Cuz

4:29 PM

We need him for a sec

Howard follows.

"Where is she?"

4:33 PM

Shawn pauses and turns to Kite. "Remember that girl Maria? Apparently, she's been kidnapped, and I asked Howard to help me locate her."

"Isn’t she working for Lelouch?" Kite. "You know that mountain? Near Avengard?" Howard.

To Kite "No one is working for Lelouch. They're all victims of her." To Howard "Uhh... I think so. Never been there myself."

"Niebel’s got a cabin up there. And just this morning, Ouroboros Stanley’s car was spotted driving away from it. Except it was stolen by one of Johnner's goons. Which means if she’s still alive, she’ll be up there." Howard.

"Do you think Niebel is up there too?"

4:56 PM

"Also, was the car stolen before or after it was spotted driving away? Who do you think was driving it?"

"Before it was spotted. That’s why I know it was one of his goons, like I just said." Howard.

"Hm... Why do you think she'd be up there then? She was kidnapped by Ouroboros, who I'm pretty sure isn't connected to the mob."

5:00 PM

"It's the best lead we got, i guess, but I feel like that mostly just confirms that that's where she isn't. If Ouroboros got his car stolen, how could he leave the city?"

"Because Ouroboros drove that car there in the first place. If he didn’t leave with it, he can’t leave at all." Howard.

"Oh I see. Okay."

5:01 PM

"Makes sense then, yeah."

"So we’ve gotta go deal with that now? Seriously?" Kite.

"This is actually good for us. We get to save someone, and we get to investigate Niebel."

5:02 PM

"I talked with him actually. Really suspicious guy. I think it would be good to investigate him more."

"Good luck." Howard.

"I'm nervous about leaving the city."

5:04 PM

"I'm willing to go, but a lot happens here. Even if we miss just a single day, that would be a lot."

5:04 PM

"Things might be a little more chill now that we've captured Lillian, but the Edlightment is still out there, and there's a whole conspiricy that we don't even know the half of."

"Then come back in a few hours. I wasn’t expecting you to be gone for days." Howard. "It’s not far, bro." Kite.

"I... Sorry, I've only been here a little while. I have absolututly no sense of proportion of this city."

5:06 PM

"There's like... a whole other town. That's like a half an hour walk away."

5:06 PM

"Whatever."

5:07 PM

"Lets go, then. Time to do some hero work."

"That’s my line!" Kite leaves.

Shawn follows

5:14 PM

"I'm glad you're feeling better!"

"We’ve gotta call a taxi. You deal with that." Kite ignores him.

"You can just... take a taxi to the mountain?"

"Yeah? Why not?"

That'd probably be expensive... I owe it to him

5:16 PM

Shawn phones a taxi

The taxi agrees to drive them to the parking lot next to the mountain.

((Wait did they like. Change first. Or are they just in their halloween costumes))

((They’re in costume))

((Funny visual))

5:22 PM

Shawn sits awkardly in the passenger seat opposite to Kite

5:22 PM

"Hey, uhh, I'm glad you're able to walk around, and stuff."

"Okay."

Shawn is silent. And awkward.

5:24 PM

"I'm... sorry about yesterday."

"Okay."

"..."

5:25 PM

"I'm glad you're still with me."

"…"

5:26 PM

"…Okay."

Shawn doesn't say anything else

They arrive at the mountain.

Shawn pays the taxi and tips him, and leaves

Kite heads off onto the mountain path.

Shawn follows, and leads Kite towards the address

Ouroboros and Maria Stanley are both directly ahead of them on the path. Maria is unconscious, and Ouroboros is carrying her.

Shawn calmly approaches

"Who the hell are you two?" Ouroboros. "We’re the good guys." Kite. (edited)

"We're here to save your daughter."

"You're what? How do you know what's going on here?" He takes a defensive step back. "If you don’t hand her over, we’re gonna beat you to death!" Kite. (edited)

"What happened to her?"

"That's not your problem." Ouroboros reaches back for the gun holster. (edited)

"Kite, get behind me."

5:44 PM

Shawn approaches Ouroboros slowly "I don't want to fight. You'll lose."

"Don’t tell me what to do!" Kite. "Then let's not." Ouroboros. (edited)

"What happened to Maria? Why's she passed out?"

"...Should I have any reason to tell you?" Ouroboros. (edited)

"We're the Advent Guard. Whatever happened to her, we've got the best chance out of anyone of stopping it."

"What?" Ouroboros. (edited)

"We're, uh... Superheros."

"...I guess you've been visited by the cat too, then." Ouroboros. (edited)

"Cat?"

5:51 PM

"Wait... Are you like us?"

He doesn’t answer.

"She mentioned 5 others... But there's been way more then 5 by now..." Shawn mumbles (edited)

5:55 PM

"What's yours, then."

""Doesn't matter. Don't have it anymore." Ouroboros. "Idiot." Kite. (edited)

"You lost it?"

"I gave it away." Ouroboros.

"That's a valuble thing to give away."

6:01 PM

"What for?"

"Not your problem. If you're heroes, you should be worried about Jeff Johnner." Ouroboros. (edited)

"Why?"

6:02 PM

"I know his goons stole your car."

"They what? " Ouroboros. "Is this guy senile or something?" Kite. (edited)

"Uh... Yeah, sorry. Last I heard, someone working for them was seen in it going towards the city."

"Now give us the girl!" Kite.

"What's going on with Jeff Johnner?"

6:12 PM

"Is he here?"

"I certainly fuckin' hope not. He wants me dead." Ouroboros. (edited)

"For what?"

"No clue." Ouroboros. (edited)

"Something to do with your resturant right? And Shuichi Maoziwam?"

"How am I supposed to know?" Ouroboros. (edited)

"Is that why you brought her here? For protection?"

"...I didn't think anyone would track us here. Or come here for any reason, really." Ouroboros. (edited)

"You should keep better track of your car."

6:19 PM

"We're not here for you, though. Unless you can help us with this mystery stuff. We're here to help her."

"Yeah? Help her how?" Ouroboros. "Being saved!" Kite. (edited)

"Keeping her safe, mostly."

"...You sure that guy's any good at it?" Ouroboros motions to Kite. (edited)

"Don't say that!" Shawn sounds kinda pouty "We're a duo through and through."

6:27 PM

"We're just used to combat situations, sorry. I don't want to fight you if we don't have to. I think we have the same goals, ultimatly."

"Here's the deal: you can have her, but you need to get Jeff Johnner out of the picture, so we're both safe. But... her especially. Listen to her needs. She needs to be kept safe." Ouroboros. (edited)

"Deal! We were targetting Jeff Johnner anyway."

6:30 PM

"I've seen him before. He's got a big mob, but he's no match for us."

Ouroboros lowers his back, allowing him to take her. (edited)

Shawn takes Maria

"...She's been a little unstable recently. Don't let her do anything she'd regret." Without looking back, Ouroboros walks off, further down the mountain (edited)

Shawn is now holding Maria

6:32 PM

"Kite, can you call a taxi? I can't reach my phone."

6:33 PM

"Where do we even take her..."

"We should wake her up first, right?"

"Probably. I assume she's drugged or something."

6:34 PM

Shawn walks to a nearby bench and sets her down, then taps her on the shoulder a couple times

She doesn’t wake up. Kite shakes her forcefully.

"I don't think that's going to work. She's probably drugged."

"Where… Am I?" Maria wakes up slowly.

"Oh... Nevermind, I guess."

6:37 PM

"Hey, Maria. Remember us?"

"Am I… Dead?" Maria. "Nope! Safe and sound, all thanks to us." Kite. "Oh…" Maria sounds disappointed.

"We're by the mountains. Going to head back to the city soon."

6:39 PM

"What happened to you? Last we heard, you got kidnapped."

"…I did?" She’s shaking lightly.

"Uhh... Is that... not what happened?"

6:40 PM

"What's the last thing you remember?"

She pauses for a long time. "Is this real life?"

"Probably."

6:42 PM

"Are you okay?"

She pauses again. "Is she, uh… (ableist slur)?" Kite. "Hi, my name is Maria Stanley." Maria replies finally.

"Kite, don't say that!"

6:46 PM

"Hi, Maria. I'm S-I'm Beetle. This is Kite."

"What! It’s true!" Kite. "I know who you are, Shawn… How can- How can I help you?" Maria stares at him pleadingly.

"We're the ones who are here to help you."

6:48 PM

He sits down with her

6:48 PM

"What's the last thing you remember?"

Maria starts shaking more. "I don’t… I don’t want to remember." "Hang on, bro. I’ve got this." Kite confidently sits next to Maria, on the opposite side of Shawn. He wraps his arm around her, and holds her close. "You wanna help us? Then tell us what you remember! That’s how you make yourself useful!" "I…" She shakes even more.

"Kiiiite..." Shawn says disapprovingly but like not in a super serious voice

"You’ve gotta use force!" Kite. "I wanted… To jump." Maria.

"You mean like... suicide?"

"…" She stares intensely at the ground.

"It's okay now. Everything's okay."

6:57 PM

"We're here to protect you."

6:57 PM

"Kite, get your arm off of her."

Kite refuses. "I’m not… real." Maria. "You feel pretty real to me." Kite.

"You're real. You're right here with us."

"…No. I’m not- I’m… I'm Maria Stanley." Maria.

"Why do you keep saying that?"

"…" She stares at the ground. "I think… Somehow… Lelouch isn’t the worst thing that’s happened to her." Kite. "…Lelouch." Maria.

"Lelouch?"

"I only exist to help others… And all I do is fail." Maria. "I can’t follow this at all!" Kite squeezes her, causing her to suffocate slightly.

"Kite, cut that out."

7:06 PM

"Maria... I know how you feel, maybe. I've done my best to help others, especially the guy hugging you right now, and... it hasn't always been successful."

7:06 PM

"It's hard. Helping people is hard."

7:07 PM

"But it's possible. I know it is. I've done it before."

7:07 PM

"You can do it. You can keep going. The world isn't all pointless."

Kite looses up begrudgingly, and Maria coughs up painfully. "Stop being so dramatic." "I’m sorry…" She shakes.

"Don't be. It's okay."

7:09 PM

"Listen, we came here to help you. You don't have to do anything right now. We're here for you."

7:09 PM

"Let's take you back to the city, alright?"

"No!" Maria screams, before returning to her usual voice. "…I’m sorry for yelling. I just- I… I only exist- I… I can’t live for me."

"..."

7:14 PM

"Who can you live for then?"

"…Mom. That’s what I’m supposed to do." Maria. Kite forcefully grabs her again. "Well, forget your stupid mother! You’re with us now, got it? You live for me, simple as that! And I’m telling you to stop with the stupid nonsense and talk normally! You’re a member of Advehnt Guard now!"

"Kite!!!" (edited)

7:16 PM

"Calm down!!"

7:16 PM

"Can't you see she's hurt?"

"You calm down, bro!" Kite. "Please don’t- Please don’t fight over me…" Maria.

Shawn ignores her "Let go of her, man. This isn't the time for this."

"I’m handling it! Stop trying to replace me!" Kite.

"I'm not trying to replace you! I'm trying to not hurt her!"

7:22 PM

"This isn't an interrogation!"

"I’m not hurting her! I’m helping her! Step back and let me handle this!" Kite.

"Ughhh..." Shawn facepalms

7:26 PM

"We can't fight right now. We need to help her."

"That’s what I’m saying!" Kite.

"So stop yelling!!!" (edited)

"You’re the one yelling!" Kite.

Shawn lays back in his chair

7:30 PM

"Why are you being so aggressive with her?"

7:30 PM

"She's literally shaking, Kite."

"Because she’s not answering correctly! You gotta use force to discipline a kid!" Kite.

"We're not disciplining her!!! We're here to help her!!"

"Are you… Trying to use me too?" Maria. "Huh?" Kite looks at her. "Of course I am. That’s what I just said! If you wanna be a tool so bad, then you’re gonna be mine!"

"No?! What?!"

7:34 PM

"She's a civilian, Kite!"

7:36 PM

"Stop trying... Stop doing that! We're here to help her!"

"I am helping her! Like I helped you! You gonna call me the villain there too? I made you!" Kite. (edited)

Shawn is quiet

7:41 PM

"You didnt do... Whatever this is to me."

7:41 PM

"..." Shawn is frustrated

"I’m sorry… But I don’t think I can help you. Because… I’m not real." Maria. "Heh…" Kite stands up on the bench confidently. "Who the hell do you think I am? That’s even better! Cause I hate real girls with a passion, so a fake one's even better to me! Just imagine… A real life waifu. I can shape her into whatever I want and she can never complain! Every hero’s gotta have one! Right, bro?"

Shawn stares at Kite with pure disgust

7:48 PM

"Kite, I- You- What the fuck."

7:49 PM

"She's not one of us, Kite. She doesn't have any powers. Do you really want to bring her into this just to... to date her!?"

"Yeah, I- I can’t do anything… I can’t help you." Maria. "Eh, that’s fine! You’ve just gotta stand there and look pretty! All the greatest heroes need a token woman in there somewhere. Even Superman and Batman let Wonder Woman tag along sometimes. It’s an empowerment thing for you to motivate us." Kite.

"Kite, you can't do this. We're heros. We help people. The bad guys use people."

"She’s the one asking to be used!" Kite.

"She's traumatized!"

"So am I! So's everyone we help! That’s why I’m giving her what she wants!" Kite. "I’m not… I’m not traumatized." Maria.

"Stop trying to bring her into this! We're protecting her, and nothing more!"

8:02 PM

"Advent Guard is a duo!"

"We talked about this before! Advehnt Guard should have tons of members! Hundreds and thousands of us all saving the day together! Well... Not that many, but like the masquerade thieves!" Kite.

"You can't just bring people in randomly!"

8:12 PM

"That's... you're..."

8:12 PM

"You're talking like Lilian now!"

"Shut up! No I'm not!" Kite.

"Taking traumatized kids and giving them a team to play on, using them for our own intrests..."

8:16 PM

"That's not what we should be doing! That's what they do! We're better then that!"

"I'm not traumatized..." Maria. "It's not our own interests! We're saving people! That is better than them!" Kite.

"Lilian seemed to think she was saved too."

8:19 PM

"If you wanna keep going with this, why not get white suits ourselves!"

"Shut up! You're just trying to split us up so you can go help Lelouch, aren't you?" Kite.

"You're the one who's not making any sense! Lelouch, the white suits... theyre manipulators! That's what seperates us from them. We don't use people! We care for them!"

8:24 PM

"That's what makes us heros!"

"I am caring for her!" Kite.

"You're ignoring her interests!"

"I'm listening to them! You're ignoring them!" Kite.

"You're projecting!"

"You're projecting! I'm heroing!" Kite. (edited)

"Ugh....." Shawn shakes his head "This is going nowhere. Okay, can we just go back to the city. We've been here for too long."

"You know this is what she wants, anyway. She hung out with that gross girl Lelouch. Now she's getting the real experience with a man." Kite. "Lelouch..." Maria. "Stop saying that so ominously! What is it about Lelouch!" Kite. "Her... perfume." Maria. "She doesn't smell that nice." Kite.

Shawn alarms

8:34 PM

"You... She..."

8:35 PM

"Maria, how long ago did she hit you with... that."

"Last week..." Maria. "Hit her with what?" Kite. "Lelouch has... A perfume. And... When you smell it... You fall in love with her. You can't... You can't do anything against her. Because you love her too much not to." Maria. "So..." Kite pauses. "You wouldn't normally be in love with other girls?"

"Don't call it love. It's not that. It's more of... a compulsion. A hunger."

8:40 PM

"That's Lelouch's secret, Kite. That's why she has such a following. That's... The cause of everything that happened yesterday."

"...Heh, I knew it. No way a terrible girl like her could ever do anything on her own." Kite smirks.

"Remember when I made you wear a gas mask yesterday? That's why."

8:49 PM

"What did she make you do while you were under?"

"Nothing... She just... She just showed me how useless I really am." Maria.

"Anything she told you, she lied, okay. She's a manipulator and a bastard."

"Bro... Who told you to find Maria?"

Shawn doesnt say anything

"Answer me!" Kite.

"I... I'm not doing this for her, okay. I'm doing this for me. I'm a hero. I'm saving someone."

"But she did send you, didn't she?" Kite.

"She told me to save her, so I am. I'm not letting her fall into the hands of another manipulative bastard. That's what matters to me."

8:55 PM

"I tried to tell you. I couldn't. Once you get ordered, you can't not do it. It's a compulsion."

Kite smirks and then laughs maniacally.

"I don't love her! I hate her! More then anything!"

8:57 PM

"I don't even like girls!"

"I don't care about that, bro! Just shut up, I'm planning something!"

Shawn turns to Maria

8:59 PM

"Is that why you're like this. Because of... What she did to you?"

Maria doesn't answer. "Bro... Tell Lelouch Maria's coming back. The meeting spot? The old Edlightenment building. Don't tell her anything else." Kite. (edited)

"What's your plan? Ambush her there?"

"You don't get to know, you'll just tell her. Just send her the message and I'll handle everything." Kite.

"Are you sure about this? She's gunning for you too, yknow."

"It's fine. ...I know her trick now." Kite.

"Okay."

9:09 PM

"The gas mask should make you immune to it. Keep that on you whenever you're around her."

9:10 PM

"Whatever you do, don't get hit by it."

"I know! Stop bossing me around and do what I tell you!" Kite.

"Sorry..."

9:11 PM

Shawn pulls out his phone and messages Lelouch

9:12 PM

"When do you want to do this? Today? Tommorow?"

"Now!" Kite.

"Okay...."

"Did you do it?" Kite.

"Yeah, it's done."

9:16 PM

"No idea if she'll respond. Or when."

"Alright, now call us a taxi. Just me and Maria, you get your own." Kite.

"I'm not leaving you alone with her."

"Yes, you are! Because you can't be trusted around Lelouch and I need her!" Kite.

"Im taking a cab with you to near the edlightment building, and then ill leave. I'm not going to leave you alone."

9:22 PM

"You two can walk there" (edited)

"Ugh, fine. But you're going back to the station, you can't stay." Kite groans.

"I wouldn't ever willingly talk to Lelouch unless I had to."

"...Just call the cab already!" Kite.

"Jeez" Shawn calls a cab

9:26 PM

"You wanted to be helpful, Maria? Looks like you're about to be."

"..." Maria looks down at the floor. "Come on, smile a little more! You get to be the waifu of the ultimate gamer!" Kite scoffs confidently. Maria forces the most miserable smile imaginable.

Shawn is incredibly annoyed by that

The taxi arrives. Kite shoves Maria inside and sits next to her afterwards.

Shawn sits next to Kite

9:29 PM

There's nowhere else to sit.

"Drive!" He yells to the taxi driver, with 0 elaboration.

"The old edlightment building, please."

The driver looks up the location and starts driving. "One for the climactic fight!" Kite suddenly kisses Maria. She looks absolutely panicked.

Shawn punches Kite in the face

9:31 PM

"Are you fucking kidding me right now?!"

"Hey! What the hell!?" Kite. Maria covers her ears, panicked.

"Really? REALLY?"

9:32 PM

"What the fuck is wrong with you."

"She's my waifu! She agreed!" Kite.

Shawn punches him again "Be fucking serious, Kite. Do you know what you just did?"

"It's a kiss! Stop being jealous! If you asked her, I bet she'd let you do the same!" Kite.

Shawn is fuming

9:35 PM

"Do you... Are you for real? Right now? Are you serious?"

"What!?" Kite.

"Stop the car." Shawn says to the driver

"Don’t stop it!" Kite. "I can't stop on this road anyway." The driver.

"I still have bruise marks, Kite. From when you assulted me."

9:38 PM

"Is that how you show that you like someone?"

9:40 PM

"Or did you stop liking me the second I stopped being useful to you. Am I just your toy?"

Maria starts actively shaking at this. "No! I was just pissed at you because you betrayed me! I’m not gonna hurt someone who doesn’t deserve it! I’m a hero!" Kite.

"You just did! Just now!"

"It’s a kiss! Who doesn’t want a kiss! You’re clearly scaring her!" Kite.

"You just sexually assaulted her!"

"It’s just a kiss!" Kite.

"God fucking damn it. What is your problem, man?"

"What’s your problem? Why’ve you gotta be so jealous?" Kite. "I-I liked it… So please… Please stop fighting." Maria lies transparently. "See?" Kite.

"Howard was right about you..." Shawn mumbles (edited)

"Can’t you see that Lelouch is doing this to you? She got her seductive tendrils into your brain and made you some pathetic cuck simp." From the way Kite says these words, he probably doesn’t even know what they mean. "You gotta break free of her girly brainwashing."

"What Lelouch did to me is... It's got nothing to do with this, okay. Like I said, I'm not in love with her. I don't like girls!"

9:48 PM

"But getting all mentally fucked up by her hasn't made me lose my most basic morality!"

"It’s just a kiss!" Kite pauses, before frowning. "And it… It wasn’t even that good of a kiss, anyways."

9:50 PM

((End session here sorry))

((Saturday))

"It’s just a kiss!" Kite pauses, before frowning. "And it… It wasn’t even that good of a kiss, anyways."

"Just a kiss?!!? What the fuck are you talking about, man?"

"In her shoes, I’d be cheering if I got kissed by such a cool guy!"

"You are such a fucking asshole."

"What the hell, bro? You sold me out to Lelouch, you don’t get to play high and mighty!"

"I didn't fucking sell you out. I was made to do shit, it was against my will. And even then, every single thing I've done under her influence has been me trying to resist it as much as I possibly can."

2:38 PM

"I was working with you! I got you the gas mask, didn't I?"

2:39 PM

"But you... You're assaulting random people and trying to start cults willingly. No mind control gas, no nothing."

"It’s not a cult! If anything, it’s a cult of personality… And one I’m pretty much owed." Kite smirks, but there’s none of his usual confidence in it.

"Every cult is a cult of personality!!!"

"Not once they see how much better I am!" Kite. Maria covers her ears in distress.

“If you can’t see how the thing you just did is awful, I don’t think you were ever a hero in the first place.”

"What the hell is your problem, dude? We’re heroes! We save people! How does 1 kiss to my waifu invalidate that?" Kite. (edited)

"She's not your fucking waifu, dude. She's a random civilian. We can't treat her like this."

"She agreed!" Kite.

"That's not something you just agree to, you idiot!"

3:13 PM

"Unless she has powers like us, she is not part of our group! There's a power imbalance!"

3:13 PM

"And that means you can't just do whatever you want!!!!"

3:14 PM

"We're the good guys, Kite!! Doing good for them is what seperates us from the white suits!"

"Fine! We’ll find Ehn and give her a power. Problem solved!" Kite.

"This isn't fucking retroactive, Kite. You assulted a civilian!!"

"I didn’t hit her, I just hit on her! That’s not assault!"

Shawn puts his face in his hands "It's like you didn't even play Masquerade V..."

"I did play it!" Kite points to Maria. "She’s empowered by being my waifu."

"Sexual assault is still assault, Kite. It's worse!"

"None of that was sexual! And she didn’t complain, did she?"

Shawn looks at Maria, who is currently shivering and covering her ears and scared out of her mind

3:28 PM

"Do you really, really, like, legitimatly think that she is in the right state of mind to consent right now."

3:28 PM

"Fucking look at her. I know you're half-blind but your other eye still works."

"That’s because you’re yelling! What kind of girl wouldn’t be scared of that? They’re sensitive!"

"She was like this before I started yelling. In fact, she started being like this when you decided to grab her by the arm!" (edited)

"I fixed her! If I didn’t force it out, she never would’ve told us anything!"

"I can't fucking believe this..."

"Ask her yourself! You’ll see!"

"You're impossible, Kite."

3:40 PM

"Ugh..."

"You’re impossible! You’re the one who doesn’t want good things coming my way!"

"I don't not want.... Ugh, oh my god. The thing you just did is awful. Like, without a doubt. I can't believe that you're too caught up in yourself to see that."

3:45 PM

"This isn't a fucking debate, Kite."

"Ask her yourself!" Kite.

"Her opinion does not matter here. This isn't about her, it's about you."

"Of course it’s about me! And I said it’s just a kiss! If I kissed you, would you whine like a baby? No, it’s a bro thing."

"This isn't fucking- I- This- She-"

3:51 PM

Shawn is angry and flustered

"See? It makes perfect sense."

"You're such an asshole."

"You just keep insulting me! I made you, bro!"

"What, does that make me the first member of your new cult?"

4:24 PM

"Or wait. You had someone before me, didn't you?"

"That’s… This isn’t a cult, okay? It was clever wordplay. I’m not starting a cult or anything. That’s what villains do."

"If it's not a cult, it's only not a cult in name only"

4:29 PM

"If you want Advent Guard to be an organization with thousands of members, all of whom follow your perfect idea of justice while doing the terrible shit you're doing now, you should at the very least be honest and call it a cult."

"The masquerade thieves have tons of members! That’s not a cult!"

"The masquerade thieves did none of the shit I just said that you're doing!"

"Yes they did! I’m like joker in real life!"

"No. You know what you are, Kite? You're that one random NPC who's like a wannabe Joker. You're too much of a fucking asshole to ever be him." (edited)

Kite pushes Shawn out of the moving car.

"Shit- YOU ASSHOLE!"

4:41 PM

Shawn hits the ground harmlessly.

4:41 PM

His phone was in his left pocket, and he landed on his right side. It's probably not damaged. Shawn fishes it out

It’s unharmed.

Shawn can't believe he's doing this, but he messages Lelouch Maoziwam

Shawn is currently in Avengard at this point. The police station isn’t far.

Ugh... Am I really doing this? I can't just... I'm not going to have to work with her, am I? Should I even tell her about this? (edited)

4:47 PM

Maria was hurt by Lelouch the same way I was... So I don't know if I can turn to her. But she is not safe at all with Kite... (edited)

4:49 PM

I promised Ourobouros that I would keep her safe... Well, I promised Kite that I'd never betray him

4:50 PM

Look how well that turned out.

4:55 PM

No, that's not... It isn't my fault he did that. He's always been like that. He's always been this dumb cocky idiot, rushing into things before thinking about them. How many of our adventures go wrong because he decided to not think things through!? That's why Rumen escaped. That's what happened at Carolyn's place. It's how he lost his ear.

4:55 PM

I've done so much for him. Everything I possibly could. And... this is what I get?! Nothing more then a passing acknowledgement as he moves on to a new toy!? (edited)

4:56 PM

Am I even the first one? Lillian mentioned another bro of his. Maybe I'm just the replacement for someone else.

4:58 PM

Lelouch, change of plan. Kite has taken Maria and is planning on ambushing you at the old Edlightment building. Plan accordingly. You have to stop him

4:58 PM

Shawn has this message typed in his phone, but he hasn't pressed send yet.

5:04 PM

Maybe that was the advantage Kite brought to him. Kite always knew exactly what he was doing. He knew right from wrong. Shawn struggles a lot with that. In a moment of crisis, he'll always freeze up. That's why he can't save anyone, why he's a failure of a superhero. He's a sidekick, at the end of the day. Either to Kite, or to Lelouch

5:05 PM

But Kite is a fucking huge asshole!!! Both of them are!! I'm not just getting manipulated by them. I'm not just here to get manipulated by them. I'm my own fucking person!! Howard Scott said that, didn't he? That I'm the better hero? That I don't need him?

5:06 PM

Shawn thinks back to the last time he wasn't with Kite. That meandering, floundering day when Shawn failed completely at stopping any kind of crime, even though it was the biggest case they'd seen so far. How the only thing Shawn felt that whole day was a desperate longing for Kite, in his endless failed attempts to find him

5:10 PM

Shawn thinks about how, even though Kite was horribly abusive to him that day, he gladly took it as long as it was what Kite wanted of him. Was he more comfortable taking abuse from Kite then he was with his daily miasma?

5:15 PM

That's... I can't accept that. I cared a lot about Kite because he's the one who brought me into this. Because he's the one who made me who I am now. But now that I can actually see this side of him, I realize that he's a fucking huge prick. He's in the same position that I am, but totally fucking blind (or half blind ahahahha) and just doing whatever the fuck he wants. Maybe I liked him before, but only as a symbol. Only as a thing that represented this whole path of justice. He isn't that, and he's never been that, and I've been a total idiot for seeing him that way!

5:16 PM

Shawn thinks about yesterday. When Lelouch invaded his home, and tore apart his family. When he couldn't escape her. The only real worry of his was "How can I keep Kite safe? How can I prevent him from coming to harm?"

5:17 PM

If I had known what I know now, I would've let Lelouch...

5:17 PM

Would he, have? Really? Can Shawn really deny the earnest feelings he has?

5:17 PM

...

5:19 PM

Shawn Duveldt wants self-determination, but Shawn Duveldt doesn't know the first thing about himself. What do I want? Why do I do the things I do?

5:20 PM

I do what I do for justice. That's what I care about. That's what seperates me from the white suits, from Lelouch, and from Kite.

5:20 PM

Do I even know what justice means?

5:26 PM

It's not like Kite knew what justice is, though. He pretended to, maybe, but it was just more selfishness. Just more weird trauma replication, just like what Lillian did. That police officer, Jessica James, she thinks she knows what justice is, and it's the law. She's wrong about that all the same. The law isn't absolute.

5:27 PM

At least Howard has the balls to admit he doesn't know. That he just does stuff for the hell of it, and because he enjoys it. I admire that about him... but I can't agree

5:27 PM

That doesn't help me. It doesn't bring me any closer to the answer.

5:31 PM

There isn't an answer

5:31 PM

I know that! But I can't just be a superhero without having an answer. Kite had one. It was so easy to follow him

5:32 PM

I can't go back to doing that now. Not unless I really suck up to him (edited)

5:32 PM

Which I can't do. It's too late for that.

5:33 PM

Am I just going to be stuck again? Like I was before I met him?

5:33 PM

Or am I in too deep for that. (edited)

5:38 PM

If I want to do justice, I don't have time to figure out a coherent ideology. I need to look towards the problems happening now, and solve them

5:39 PM

Maria is in danger. Either from Kite, or from Lelouch.

5:39 PM

I promised Ouroboros I'd keep her safe. I'm not going to break that promise

5:39 PM

She's a victim of both of them, just like me. But she doesn't have the powers I have.

5:40 PM

Still, I'll need help.

5:40 PM

I heads to the police station as fast as I can (edited)

Howard Scott and Jessica James are there.

I am panting from running so much (edited)

5:43 PM

"Hey... I... I need help..."

"What now?" Howard.

"Maria Stanley, that girl..."

5:44 PM

"We found her, but she's traumatized. She needs help."

5:46 PM

"But... Kite decided to go crazy and... Well, he got real possessive of her."

"Do we look like social workers?" James. "I warned you he wasn’t stable." Howard.

"We got in a really bad fight over it, and he kicked me out of our cab."

5:47 PM

to Howard "Yeah, yeah, I should've listened."

5:47 PM

to James "You're cops, right? I'm reporting a kidnapping."

"I hate to break it to you, but we can’t exactly fight your pattern. But at the very least… Don’t fight him today." Howard.

"I know where Kite is going to be. He'll be meeting up with Lelouch at the old Edlightment building. I've been contemplating on letting Lelouch know about this, but right now, she has no idea."

5:49 PM

"What?"

5:49 PM

"Why not?"

"We need him to help stop Johnner. You’ve gotta think big picture. You can tell him whatever you want tomorrow, but if you 2 aren’t cooperating tonight Johnner’s gonna make it out just fine. And then we’ll have much bigger problems." Howard.

"What?"

5:53 PM

"No, I'm... You can't rely on him."

5:53 PM

"He's not going to help."

"Look, kid… Honestly, I don’t believe you for a second. I’ve got no faith you’re giving me a clear picture, considering your massive switch up. But that’s none of my concern. I gave you a chance to kick him out. You didn’t take it. So right now, you made your bed to lie on. You can’t just back out of everything when your whims change. This life’s a commitment." Howard.

"Not a clear picture?!"

5:58 PM

"I'll give you a clear picture. He sexully assulted her!"

5:59 PM

"She is not safe as long as shes with him."

"We’ll work something out. But calm down and keep it until after the mission. He’s not just gonna drag her into a fight against Jeff Johnner. So she’ll be safe for that mission. Whatever happens after that… Happens." Howard.

"She's... She's not going to be safe. It's either Kite falls flat on his ass like he always does and she's with Lelouch, or Kite succeeds for once and she's with him."

"Don’t worry. We’ll smooth something over when we pick him up for the mission." He grabs his coat. "Just don’t fight with him about it. The rebellious types tend to just do whatever people tell them not to even more. It’s basic psychology."

"I don't think you're... Look, if the only thing you care about is this Johnner mission, then this is jeapordizing it! He does not give a shit about it, I promise. He won't prioritize it over his new kidnapped girlfriend."

6:14 PM

"Stopping him is your best bet."

"Again… I don’t place much faith in the words of emotional children. I’ll see it for myself." He starts walking out. "Come with me though. If he really is that unstable, I’d like to not get myself killed here."

"Where are you... Are you going to him?"

"Haven’t you been paying attention?"

"Sorry, I'm confused"

"We’re going to pick him up. Come on."

"Okay."

6:28 PM

I go along with what someone says, again (edited)

6:28 PM

"What about Lelouch?"

"I’ll handle it."

"Are you sure? She's extremely dangerous."

"At worst, I’ll call Kingsley over." Howard.

"What's he going to do?"

"We’ll see." Howard walks out.

I follow, though I hate doing that (edited)

James watches them leave. Howard gets in a police car.

I get into the passenger seat

((No session this week))

((Saturday))

Howard drives.

I contemplate messaging Lelouch, but then I rethink it. The two possible results of those two fighting are either Lelouch loses and Kite wins, or Kite wins and Lelouch loses. Both of them aren't my allies anymore, really, so if one of them beats the other it'll make things easier. Taking either of them down isn't going to be easy. Lelouch still has his brain for at least a few more days. And Kite.... He's...

1:30 PM

"Goddammit."

1:30 PM

Whatever. Maria is the real issue here. She's in danger. If I'm going to keep that promise to Ouroboros, I need to keep her safe.

"Keep your chin up."

Shawn leans back into his chair and slumps his head into the back of the seat "I saved his life yesterday. Twice. Why can't... Why doesn't he listen to me?"

"Arrogance? Seems like a rebellious spirit at heart. I doubt he’s the type to chain himself down to anyone else."

...

"Of course, I’m no different in that sense. But I’ve got the brains to back it up."

"Does it not get lonely?"

"Lonely? What the hell does that mean?"

"Like... I don't know. Affection and shit."

"I’m not a child anymore. I don’t need anyone in my life who doesn’t make themselves useful. You’ll find that it’s a useful policy in not making the stupidest mistakes of your life."

"..."

"…I did have a guy once, though. Very… Uptight son of a bitch. Thought he had all the answers and yet none of them ever seemed to align. Like some kind of giddy child I loved him, but hey… That’s the life… He’s the guy I make my biggest mistakes for."

"...I'm surprised to hear that you loved anyone once."

1:43 PM

"I guess I'm in the same boat."

"…" Howard just sighs. Kite comes into view, running away from the direction of the Edlightenment building.

I freeze up

1:46 PM

"That's... It's him."

"I can tell." Howard parks the car on the side of the road.

I get out of the car (edited)

Howard gets out and leans against the side of the car. "Good luck."

"You want... Uh... Okay." God. Fuck. Okay. I'm not prepared for this

1:52 PM

I walk to Kite

Kite keeps running towards Shawn.

Shawn looks at the way that he's running and trys to see based on his body language how he's feeling

1:54 PM

((9))

Shawn can’t tell.

"Kite!" I call out I ready myself, however. Just in case he wants to fight me. For what happened

He stops. "…Bro." Then he starts running again.

"What are you... Kite, hold on!"

2:00 PM

What the hell is he doing. I've got no idea

He keeps charging at Shawn.

I put my arms into a blocking position.

Kite reaches Shawn.

2:02 PM

And then hugs him.

2:03 PM

Then he starts to cry.

...

2:03 PM

Shawn hugs him back. Tightly

"I’m… Sorry." Kite. "…Huh?" Howard.

Shawn doesn't reply. Or let go. He grips tighter

Kite keeps crying. Howard takes out a cigarette and starts smoking. "Haah…"

...

2:12 PM

...

2:12 PM

...

2:12 PM

Shawn holds Kite for a long time, he doesn't know how long. It's a second that feels like it lasts forever. The world around him falls away, all the light and the sound and the air and time itself. It's just him and Kite right now. (edited)

"…I fucked up, didn’t I bro?" Kite. (edited)

"I'm...."

2:18 PM

Shawn has a billion thoughts running through his head. He's furious at Kite. He can't stand to see him like this. He's desperate to push him away but he cannot possibly let go of him. He's a fractal of bugs squishing other bugs.

2:19 PM

Does Shawn know how to verbalize what he feels? Can he? Are there words in the english language that carry that? Are there words in any language that carry that? That can convey his... his...

2:19 PM

Shawn doesn't know.

2:20 PM

"We're together right now. I don't care about anything else."

"…I just wanna be the hero." Kite. (edited)

"Don't you get it, bro?"

2:23 PM

"You are a hero. You've always been mine."

"You’re… my hero too, bro." Kite.

Shawn buries his head in between kites head and his shoulders

2:26 PM

He holds Kite as tight as he can

"…She almost got me. With that perfume." Kite.

"What happened back there?"

"…She was nice to me." Kite simply says.

"What does..."

"Bro, why… Didn’t I let her spray me?" Kite.

"..."

"Why did I…?" Kite. (edited)

"You're a hero, aren't you?"

"Yeah, but… Wasn’t she offering what I wanted?"

"What did she offer?"

"Everything. But… Mostly, it was… About love." Kite. Howard groans.

"Love?"

"Yeah, she… Said she’d even give me a chance at love. But I… I dunno…" Kite. (edited)

"The thing Lelouch can give you isn't love, Kite. I don't think she's capiable of understanding that."

3:01 PM

"Love isn't control."

“Then… What is love?" Kite. "A bunch of chemicals in your brain that tell you how to feel. That’s all it really is." Howard.

Shawn thinks long and hard about his response, before eventually saying. "Love is when you get up in the morning and see that someone made you breakfast before you got up. Not for any special reason either. Just... randomly. Just because."

3:15 PM

"It's... security, I guess. Someone cares about you and your happiness enough that it's on their mind without your input. Knowing full-well that someone, somewhere, cares a lot about you."

"Earlier, I kissed Maria. And uh… The green one, too." Kite.

"I don't... I don't get why."

"…Me neither." Kite sighs. "I kinda wanted it but… It didn’t do much. I felt powerful but I still felt… So alone." "That’s life." Howard shrugs.

"Kite... We... We don't have to be anything more then what we are right now. The Advent Guard, I mean."

3:22 PM

"This... I'm happy with this."

Kite wipes his eyes with his arm. "I love you, bro."

Shawn is crying now also

3:26 PM

"I love you too, man. I love you so much."

"…I’m a hero, right? You didn’t… You didn’t mean it when you said we were the same."

"..." "Kite... I didn't want to do that thing you were saying. I don't think you wanted to either. I'm... I'm sorry, I didn't mean what I said, I was just... I was upset."

3:31 PM

"I just... I don't know." Shawn is crying a lot more now "I'm just... I'm scared, man. I thought I was losing you."

“…Heh. Did you forget what I said? Heroes don’t die. They just respawn." Kite.

Shawn lets out a small laugh and then lets go to start laughing really hard.

3:36 PM

He wipes his face and reaches out his hand to Kite

3:36 PM

"Are we back?"

Kite takes it. "You better believe it!" He forces a smile. "…Kids these days. Always with the mind games" Howard drops his cigarette and stomps it out. "Are you ready to go?"

"Fuck yeah."

Howard gets back in the car. "Feels like he should’ve dropped another cool line there." Kite.

"He's old, give him a break."

"That’s why I’m never gonna get old!" Kite gets in the car.

3:43 PM

The only space left for Shawn is the backseat where criminals go.

"Dont say that..." Shawn gets in after him

Howard drives back to the police station.

"Kite, what actually happened back there? Where's Maria?"

"…Lelouch got her. It’s all because of that evil traitor, though! I could’ve won!" There’s not much conviction in this claim.

"Traitor?"

"Yeah, y’know…" Kite whispers to Shawn. "Ehn."

"Oh, that stupid literal bitch!"

They arrive at the police station.

"We'll get her back together, okay?"

"Damn right!" Kite.

Shawn leaves the car

Howard walks to the room with the computer.

Quietly to Kite "Lelouch made me get Maria to her... So I think as long as that part of the order is fulfilled, I'm free to act as my own. We can plot against her."

"Ha! She’ll never see it coming." Kite. "Are you coming? We’ve got a gangster to stop." Howard.

"Yeah, we're coming."

3:53 PM

To Kite "The raid against Johnner is today, Scott wanted both of us to help."

"I know, bro." Kite goes after Howard.

Shawn also goes after howard

James stops him. "What happened to him being a criminal? Are you really such a hypocrite?"

Shawn waits till Kite walks a little further, and then says "He's my problem, not yours."

"Who decided that? You?"

"He's better at this then you are."

"I’m not a criminal. I’ve never acted in any way that wasn’t in perfect accordance to the law."

"He can avoid becoming Maoziwam's puppet."

"…" She turns and walks away.

Shawn smirks and walks to Howard

Howard is in the room, holding out 2 earpieces. "Here. Better ones, so you can interrogate him properly without needing to explain it back to me."

Shawn takes one

"What's it do?" Kite takes the other one. "It lets me hear everyone else in the room. Dont worry though, you can turn them off when you're not on missions." Howard.

"Useful."

"Just get to that hide out in the mall, get his boss's name out of him, and you're done. The rest after that is on me." Howard points to a button in the computer. "Huh? What's that do?" Kite. "It's important. You like stories, right? Keep it dramatic." Howard says this but his expression doesn't make it seem like any kind of exciting reveal.

"You don't want us to like capture him or anything?"

"We'll handle that much. As soon as we've got the name. But I would prefer if you didn't let him out of your sight, that's for sure." Howard approached Shawn. "What about you? Are you sure your armor's gonna be enough to get through a mafia hideout?"

"Did you know ive been shot by a minigun before once?"

4:18 PM

"For like 5 solid seconds."

"Huh. The hell's this thing made of?" Howard grabs the bottom of the chest piece and lifts it up slightly to get a look. "Really just seems like plastic to me."

"Have you ever seen the movie Avatar? The blue people one. There's this metal called unobtanium"

Howard lets go and starts laughing as he sits down in front of the computer. "...Right. Good luck." "Let's go, bro." Kite turns to leave.

"See ya!"

4:22 PM

Shawn walks away with Kite

Just barely in earshot as they leave, Howard speaks to no one. "...This is for you, Gus." "...What?" Kite freezes in place. The clock strikes midnight. ((End chapter, end session))

"…Oh." Howard turns around with a cocky smile. "Did I forget to mention?"

“You knew him?”

"He was my partner, 9 years ago. Shame how these things go, y’know?" Howard leans back against the desk. He seems strangely calm. "9 years ago…?" Kite.

“What happened to you guys?”

Howard smirks. "That case. The Edlightenment mass murder. You can fight the system all you want, but it always gets what it wants. Results. The big guy. Even if it’s not true. The only thing you’re gonna be left with is a firing." "But… You’re still a cop." Kite. Howard continues smirking.

"I thought Gus was working with the Edlightment. Wasn't he with Blythe?"

"…Yeah. That’s the funny part. All his fuming about arresting the kid, but the second he’s out of a job he goes running right to the mafia. Because morals only matter to people so long as you can profit of 'em. I just happened to be more honest about that." Howard gets punched in the face by Kite.

Shawn doesn't react

"You mean… The one who covered up the truth and let that killer run free all those years… That was you?" Kite. "Heh… I guess I deserve that. Honestly, I’m surprised you hadn’t heard… If I hadn’t faked the charge, I wouldn’t be any kind of celebrity here. It’s all a game of res-" Howard gets punched again.

“Why… Why would you do that? Is it just about the fame here?”

"…What else? Like I keep telling you, we’re all selfish deep down. We all want to feel good about ourselves, to feel like we’ve accomplished something in our lives. No one gives a shit either way about anyone but themselves." Kite hits him again. "But let’s say I had been the selfless hero type. Are you 2 just idiots? You really think that demon was the worst one there? She did what she was raised to do. She’s a brat, like you, just taught to think otherwise. In her eyes, she’s the hero. The villain would be the guy who taught her otherwise. The man who knew better than a bunch of stupid kids and still did all that. Because he understood the truth. A self-aware selfish prick… Much more my type, I’d say." Howard.

“Are you really that selfish?”

"Everyone is. That's what I keep telling you. There are no villains, or heroes. Just those who are honest... And those lost in their own delusions." Howard. Kite punches him again. "I'm a hero! I help people!" "Yeah, for you! You only help people when it lets you pretend you're so high and mighty! If it didn't serve your interests, you'd let anyone suffer just like any other person would!" Howard.

Shawn stays silent

"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" Kite keeps punching him. "Ha! You think you can just punch the truth away? You child!" Howard finally gets punched to the ground. Kite uses this opportunity to get on him and keep punching him.

"If you're willing to live that way, you better understand that this is justified."

4:05 PM

Shawn doesn't move to help him

Eventually, Howard is barely conscious and unable to move. Kite gets off him. "What are waiting for…? Come on, kill me. I’m the guy who let your parent’s killer run free… Finish the job." Howard. Kite raises up the crowbar, ready to swing it down. "Feels like either way, no matter I do here… I’m gonna wind up regretting it forever. So I’m gonna trust my bro here to think for me."

Shawn looks at Howard. His emotions are unscrutable, his plastic face darkens Howard was someone Shawn cared quite a bit for. An authority figure who stood by him, respected his decisions and his power. In turn, Shawn respected him. How much was that worth, though? At the end of the day, how different was Howard from every other piece of criminal trash on the streets. If anything, his lack of any moral convictions beyond helping himself put him below even the White Suits and Maoziwam. And the fact that he lead to Kite's family dying... Shawn speaks out to Howard. "The difference between you and us is that we're trying. I can't ever know how far we'll get, or if we're doing the right thing, but I can know that I'll get infinitely closer to doing good then you ever will." Shawn turns to Kite "If you're going to kill him, do it for justice, not for revenge."

Kite doesn’t do anything. "…" "What… Are you gonna make me beg?" Howard.

“Go for it, Kite. If you want to do it , do it. Even he agrees it’ll be justice.”

2:06 PM

“But don’t do it if you’re going to regret it.”

"…I don’t wanna give him what he wants." Kite. "…Always something, isn’t there? Can’t a man die in peace in this day and age…?" Howard lets out what sounds vaguely like a laugh. "…Not you." Kite kicks Howard, knocking him unconscious.

“Why does it matter what he wants? He’s criminal scum.”

2:08 PM

“What do you want?”

"That’s the problem, though. You remember that Edlightenment thing? Where like… When you die, you get left in that state forever?" Kite turns to Shawn. "…Maybe that’d be a fitting punishment for him. But if it’s not true, then death's just freedom to him. He gets to get away without any consequences and we’re the ones left suffering. We’re heroes… So I think we oughta make him suffer in a way that’ll last, y’know?" Kite crouches down and searches through Howard’s pockets. "…Or maybe I’m just a coward. I dunno. We’ll find out, I guess."

"Hm..."

2:13 PM

"That's a valid perspective, I think."

2:15 PM

"I kinda see it as the opposite, though. When you die, who you are gets cemented forever. You can't take any more actions, you can't control the way anyone sees you. I think death is the prison, not life. We're free to do whatever we want now, take whatever actions we want, but we lose that when we die."

2:15 PM

"Still. Killing him now probably won't be a good idea."

Kite pulls out handcuffs, and cuffs Howard. Then, he tosses the keys to Shawn. "Anyway, we should focus on Johnner now. Can’t let him slip away or something."

"You sure?"

2:16 PM

Shawn turns to Howard "Wouldn't that just be doing what he wants?"

"…Well, he was on our side right now wasn’t he? If he hadn’t let that slip, we’d probably never have fought." Kite.

"Probably."

2:19 PM

Shawn takes out his new earpiece "We should leave these here, probably."

"Nah, we’ll need them." Kite bites his lip and slowly stands up. "We can’t both go."

"Why not?"

"One of us needs to push the button, don't we? We don't know what it does but he said it was important!" Kite points at the computer.

"What?"

2:24 PM

"Why does that matter?"

"We don't know! That's the problem, bro!"

"Why is that a problem."

"Because it could be important! We need to complete the plan! And that means you stay here and play the guy in the chair just this once!"

"I don't know what these buttons do either!"

"Just press it when I've got the name, easy!"

"I don't want to stay behind man. Every time we split apart we get our asses kicked."

"We can still talk on the earpieces! Just... Trust me to do this one thing, bro! Let me be the hero once!"

“I trust you!! But we’re a team. You were in the hospital just this morning because you attacked somewhere alone. That place is way way less fortified then the one ur going to now”

2:38 PM

“We need to do this together.”

"Not... If you give me your suit. Just this one time."

“Kite…”

"Bro, please!"

“I can’t do that. You know I can’t.”

2:40 PM

“This suit is… it’s who I am.”

"Yes you can! The only reason you even have it is 'cause I gave it to you! You live your normal life with it off! Just lend it to me for 1 time and I'll never ask again!"

"..."

2:43 PM

"Kite... You understand how big of an ask that is for me, right?"

2:45 PM

"You're asking me to give you my only protection, in a police station, right next to the unconcious body of a guy we beat up..."

2:45 PM

"So that you can be the ultimate hero and i can just... sit here and press buttons?"

2:45 PM

"Why would I even do that? We don't know anything about what these buttons do."

"You can have his gun... Plus, it's not like they know it's just the suit. For all they know you're still untouchable and you'll have a hostage. Just... Let me do this!"

"Hostage?"

"Him!" Kite points at Howard.

"This... That's so dangerous."

"We're heroes! Danger's the point of the job!"

"Kite, I... I don't want this. I don't want you to leave again. I don't want to worry about you again."

2:49 PM

"I've lost you enough times already."

"You can hear everything that's happening! We'll basically still be together!"

"But if something happens to you, I won't be able to do anything about it?"

2:50 PM

"What if they have like... a super-power neutralizer gun or something? And you get captured? Then I'll just be alone again, and totally powerless!"

"C'mon, they won't have that! And even if they did, you'd be screwed too! At least you're safe outside and you can come save me!"

"I'd... I'd rather be screwed by your side then being forced to watch you get fucked over."

2:51 PM

"How would I save you?"

"That's for you to figure out!"

"Kite, I... I've made this suit part of who I am. I... I don't know what I am without it. It's been my answer to every question to everything."

2:57 PM

"The thought of being without it... Of making myself vunerable like that... That's terrifying." (edited)

"Can't you at least do it for me, bro?"

"..."

3:01 PM

"I'm scared to."

"You're a hero, aren't you? Heroes can't get scared!"

3:02 PM

"It's at times like these when everything looks dark that you've gotta say 'bring it on'!"

"Am I a hero without this suit?"

3:02 PM

"What seperates me from every other civilian?"

"What separates you... Is that you're my bro."

"..."

3:05 PM

"I don't know about this, man. This is terrifying."

Kite hugged Shawn. "Just... Let me have this one, okay?"

"Kite... You..."

3:07 PM

"How do I..." Shawn is kinda crying now "How do I know I can trust you to bring it back?"

3:07 PM

"You kicked me out of a car..."

"Because... I can't live without you, bro."

"I can't either!!"

3:09 PM

"Which is why I'm terrified of letting you go without me."

3:10 PM

"What am I going to do if you... If I get left behind?"

"Are we really bros if you can't even trust me for 1 mission?"

"It's not that, it's..."

3:16 PM

"Can I tell you something?"

"…Yeah."

"Earlier today. In the cab."

3:17 PM

"When you kissed her..."

"…You’re still mad?"

"I thought something I hadn't thought before. Not this whole time, and not really since, but... It's stuck with me."

3:19 PM

"I thought I don't know this person"

3:20 PM

"I thought that... That after all this, that after everything I'd been thought with you... That I just... that we just aren't on the same wavelength."

3:21 PM

"I don't think thats true. I think I know you. I think I only thought that in a moment of irrationality because of how upset I was."

3:21 PM

"But..."

3:21 PM

"I just want assurence. I just... I just want to know that this isn't going to end with me being hurt. I want to be able to trust you with my life."

3:21 PM

"With part of me." He indicates towards the suit

"…I love you, bro. I’m not gonna hurt you ever again."

"I love you too."

3:23 PM

"Can you promise me that?"

3:23 PM

"That... that you'll come back?"

3:23 PM

"Youll give my suit back?"

"I promise. I’ll come back for you, no matter what."

Shawn grabs Kite's hands

3:24 PM

"You have to promise me. And you cannot go back on it. Not in the slightest."

3:24 PM

"Promise me that you'll come back. That no matter what happens there, your top priority is going to be coming back to me."

"I promise, okay? Stop worrying, bro."

"And you'll never leave me again. You'll listen to me and... and you'll stay with me."

3:25 PM

"Please, man." "Promise me that I won't lose you." (edited)

"I promise!"

"You can't go back on it. Okay?"

3:27 PM

"Don't even think about it."

"I won’t. I’m a hero, after all."

"I don't want your promise as a hero."

3:27 PM

"I want your promise as someone I love."

3:28 PM

"As Kite, the person."

"But… Kite is the hero."

"Its a metaphor."

"…Fine, okay?"

"What I'm saying is... Your obligation here is not out of your desire for heroism or anything. It's because... you love me, right?"

3:29 PM

"That's what you're staking here."

"…Yeah."

"Okay. I'm... I'm going to trust you."

Kite takes off his suit.

Shawn takes off his suit.

Kite hands his suit to Shawn.

Shawn hands his to Kite "Take good care of it. Give it back to me please. I don't... I don't know what I'd do without it."

Kite puts it on and smirks. "See you soon, bro."

"Stay safe. Please."

3:36 PM

Shawn puts Kites suit on and gags at the smell of it.

Kite leaves.

Oh god.

3:37 PM

What have I gotten myself into now? What... What am I going to do if he doesn't give it back? If he doesn't come back with it?

3:37 PM

I can't just... I can't just go back to living a normal life

3:37 PM

Mats Rumen is dead. It's too late for that

I take my shirt and tie a blindfold around Howard's eyes (edited)

3:52 PM

He wont see me if he wakes up (edited)

3:52 PM

I can't believe this...

3:52 PM

Thsi is... This is too much.

3:52 PM

How am I supposed to...

3:52 PM

What am I supposed to...

3:53 PM

The guys from Masquerade V never lost their powers.

3:53 PM

They kept theirs the whole time. It was built into their soul.

3:53 PM

I thought of mine like that

3:54 PM

I guess I just gave my soul away, didn't I? To... to him

3:54 PM

I love Kite. I love him a lot.

3:54 PM

I...

3:54 PM

I feel distant from him still. Even though we're closer then ever

3:54 PM

I don't think he's given up on those dreams of his.

3:54 PM

I'm scared

3:54 PM

I'm scared

3:55 PM

I wish I didn't have to rely on just myself. I wish I could trust Kite without having to second guess everything

3:55 PM

I'm awful, aren't I?

3:56 PM

Just... a terrible person.

3:56 PM

I don't even know why I'm feeling that way. It's instinctual maybe.

3:56 PM

I have so much emotion in me that I can't direct anywhere, so I need to aim it at myself

3:57 PM

It doesn't make me less scared.

4:01 PM

Ugh

"I’m here." Kite says this through the earpiece.

"What's it look like?"

4:04 PM

Shawn checks the button to see if theres any indication of what it does

"A mall? It’s closed already, but that’s no problem for me." Kite. There’s a label that says ‘One time use. Do not touch'.

4:06 PM

Shawn can hear the sound of Kite breaking something.

"Get out of there fast once you get in, okay?"

4:06 PM

"Don't delay."

4:06 PM

Did he set a bomb in our ears or something?

"Yeah, yeah." Kite groans. "…Kite?" Kingsley's voice speaks from near Kite. "Uhh…" Kite.

"Is that Kingsley?"

"…Yeah. Howard sent us. So you can get out of here." Kite. "Oh… Okay." Kingsley mumbles. "That guy’s weirdly easy to push around." Kite.

Shawn switched to the microphone Scott was using (edited)

"Looks normal so far… Huh. Never mind." Kite. "They’ve got a whole living space hidden back here."

“Why is Kingsley there?”

4:13 PM

“I thought this was supposed to be our operation.”

"I dunno. Guess he was keeping watch?" Kite suddenly starts whispering. "Can you hear me if I whisper?"

“Yeah”

"I hear voices, so I’m gonna get closer and listen to them spill their secrets."

“Okay. Be careful.”

"…!" Kite gasps.

"What?"

4:19 PM

"What is it?"

"…They’re here. Lelouch, Jade, Maria, even that guy with the bandages we saved last week. Plus even more guys I don’t recognize somehow. It’s a whole gathering." It’s at this moment that Shawn realizes the perfume has worn off. ((End session))

((yesssss))

finish readign!!!

((Use parentheses…))

“YOU! GORDOOOOON! What the FUCK IS THIS?! YOU SAID HE WAS HERE AND ALONE, DIDN’T YOU?! DID YOU THINK YOU COULD CHEAT ME? IS THAT THE KIND OF SAP YOU TAKE ME FOR?” Dana. "Gordon!? What? Where??" ???. "Wait, you know him too?" Jade. "He's in a cage, and probably lost his memory again. I didn't think it counted." An unfamiliar male voice.

2:04 PM

"Hi!" Ariel.

2:05 PM

"Uh, hi?" Harriet says. "Who are you? What's happening? You're very pink."

"What the hell is going on over there, Kite?"

“Shut the fuck up, Ariel! I’m—there’s only one fucking reason I came here, why is he not here? How was your intelligence inept enough to misplace—misidentify, the, to…” Dana. "I dunno." Kite whispers.

Shawn reels over onto the table

2:06 PM

Fuck. fuck.

2:06 PM

Shawn knew about the spray. He was aware of what it did

2:07 PM

But

2:07 PM

He couldnt have prepared himself for the wave of guilt that hit him as soon as it ended

2:07 PM

Oh god. He had said such horrible things to Kite

"Why am I in a cage." Harriet says flatly. "We've only checked one room. Nothing confirms he's not here." Same unfamiliar male voice again. "A friend of yours threw a grenade at Johnner's face. He didn't take it well."

Focus. He needs to focus

2:08 PM

What the fuck is he supposed to do from here?

2:08 PM

Ariel. He knows that name

Harriet. "I see there's some kind of, um, hugely emotional dramatic thing happening here - related to your, uh, various personal neuroses - but I honestly don't think I need to be here right now. This doesn't - involve me, I want to be - seperate from whatever deranged bullshit is happening right now, cleanly severed - fuck." "Ms Lelouch? Should I spray her?" Jade.

Shit

“This is the kind of thing—If you know there’s other people, then you mention it…!” Dana. “What are you fucking talking about?”

"Kite, that girl with the pink hair is Ariel May. She was at the police station earlier today with Howard. I think she has some connection with the mob."

2:10 PM

Shawn gets on the police computer and quickly searches Ariel May

"Uh- Absolutely!" Lelouch. “Why, with the perfume…” Dana sighs. "Look.... I didn't think you'd run into him. He's basically just a child inside. I don't like him, but don't hurt him." Male voice. (edited)

"Kite, don't let her spray anyone!"

2:11 PM

"Or... I don't know. We don't know these people, right?"

2:11 PM

"Don't get sprayed! Prioritze that."

2:12 PM

“Avoid speaking loudly. If you’re wearing my suit, Lelouch will think you’re me.”

"Way to go Jade!" Lelouch. "Too late." Kite keeps whispering. "Don't worry though, I'll get em back."

“Wait, did you get sprayed?” (edited)

2:14 PM

“When?”

“You—what do you mean, ‘personal neuroses’?! Are you looking down on me?!” Dana. "I didn't get sprayed... I mean she did." Kite.

“Oh sorry.”

2:14 PM

“Poor girl.”

Shawn Duveldt

Shawn gets on the police computer and quickly searches Ariel May

.

"You..." ??? "Is your name Dana?"

"Dana?"

Ariel May does not have many results. She was recently held for questioning when her parent's home was robbed by a man named Jeremy Baxter.

Hm

“Shut the fuck up, Jay! I have bigger fish to fry!” Dana.

2:17 PM

"Sorry - I wasn't looking down on you. I'm not really allowed to do that anymore, which is a stupid thing to hear and an even stupider thing to try and explain, but - you have a gun. And I - I can help, somehow. This situation is - salvageable, right?" Harriet. "I can rectify it. I'm really, really good at defusing tension."

2:17 PM

"Fish... fish? Do you know Hav Kerloe?" ???.

"HAV KERLOE?!"

"And I'm not dangerous, either. If you let me out of the cage I'll just be prime meat, see? My legs don't work. I can be the whipping girl." Harriet.

"Okay. fuck. Okay. Uh. Dana. That's probably Dana Craig. She is wanted for the murder of Marco Gould. Also uhh someone else but she didn't commit that one."

“What the fuck are you talking about? Don’t get me involved in—-euuuurgh! You fucking pervert!” Dana. "Hav? How the hell do you remember his name?" Male voice.

"Hav Kerloe is a fishery owner. Remember a days ago when we split apart and I was looking for you? I told you I had an encounter by the docs right? That was with him."

2:19 PM

"Him, Bob Smith, and some other white suit guy."

2:19 PM

"I'm not sure how bandage man knows him."

"I don't want to talk to you, you traitor!" ???. Harriet. "It's not a sex thing. Anymore. From this point on it's not a weird sex thing, not that it ever was - fuck. I'm - looking in other directions, right now." "There's a key, it's probably around here somewhere. You 3, go look for it in this room." Jade. (edited)

"What are you doing right now, Kite? Do they know you're there?"

"Don't worry, faithful maiden. We'll find a way to get you out!" Lelouch. “What? Huh? I….” Dana.

2:22 PM

"Stop talking bro, I'm hiding..." Kite.

"Sorry."

"Hey- Jade told you to search for a key, so search for a key!" Lelouch. "Did you put me in this cage, Gordon?" ???. "Well, I didn't oppose it." Male voice who at this point is clearly named Gordon.

2:23 PM

“GGGEEAGH!” Dana. “I hate you! I fucking hate you!”

Quietly "We can't just sit around and... Do nothing. those people are getting fucked over."

2:24 PM

"Wait for the right moment to intervene."

"I found her wheelchair." Gordon. "Dana, look over here!" Ariel.

Shawn looks on the police computer for anyone named harriet on a wheelchair. He doesn't expect to find anything but it's his best bet

"So, what's your name?" Lelouch. “Huh?” Dana. "Harriet," Harriet. "And yours?" Ariel. "There's some other stuff in here, too."

2:28 PM

"Lelouch. Lelouch Maoziwam!" Lelouch says the first name with more emphasis than the surname. "Who locked you in this cage? Was it a guy? Guys will do that." “Oh, shit.” Dana. “That means… mm.”

2:29 PM

"It might be the wrong key, but it's the only one here." Jade.

What's going on here? Why are these people locked in cages? Why is Lelouch here?

2:29 PM

Where the fuck is Jeff Johnner?

"New superpowered object to keep track of... Seems like some kind of magic key that opens things." Kite.

"Like... physical things? That seems almost entirely useless."

“Shut the fuck up about your stupid fake-ass straw feminism! You’re—I mean, I guess I should be happy, right?! If you’re just like this, and didn’t immediately look at me and take—and classify me as how much of a fucking woman I am, how easily, you think you can…” Dana. Harriet. "I, on occasion, have interpersonal.. issues with the male sex. I.... have my own, individual reasons for thinking this way, which aren't symptomatic of any greater.. social phenomena. That's the way I decide, of my own volition, to think about it."

Yesssss. Lelouch is getting owned.

"Hey! Unlock my door!" ???. “Please don’t.” Dana is pleading. There is no malice or spite. "I need it." ???.

2:32 PM

"Do I?" Jade asks Lelouch. "If I don't get out of the cage, I will starve to death." ???. "Why should you?" Lelouch.

2:32 PM

"I am above vindictive cruelty," Harriet.

Shawn, Kite, Lelouch, ???, Ouroboros...

2:33 PM

Now a key also...

"Well, that's resolved then. We should try to go find Johnner in some other room." Jade.

"Make sure you're well hidden, Kite."

2:34 PM

"Don't let them find Johnner first."

"...I know." Kite.

2:34 PM

"What??" ???. “Yeah, good idea. Everything else is secondary.” Dana.

God, this is fucking scary. Lelouch fucking Maoziwam is here. No one scares me like she does.

2:35 PM

And... Fuck... Fuck, if Kite gets found and sprayed.

"I mean, you tried to kill me, so why should I? Karma's a bastard, or whatever." Lelouch. "Do you know where else he could be, Jade?"

Worst case scenario.

"Tried to kill you? When!?" ???.

2:37 PM

"I should probably follow her. The last time I took my eyes off her, Johnner had one of his men knock her and another woman out to kidnap me, the dickhead." Lelouch.

2:39 PM

"I'm alone with the bandage guy. I'll check what he knows." Kite.

"Okay."

2:40 PM

"Only come out if you are 100% sure it's safe."

"H... ell... o? Help me!!" ???.

"Be careful of his body contortion stuff."

"Don't yell! Hasn't anyone ever told you about stealth!" Kite.

Shawn tries to get an understanding of the people he just overheard

2:43 PM

Dana Craig seems extremely aggressive. Shawn isn't sure what her deal is.

"...No?" ???.

Harriet seems a lot more passive.

2:44 PM

She didn't seem to change whatsoever after getting Lelouched

The sound of a gunshot rings out nearby. "It's like... When you do something quiet. So no one knows you're doing it." Kite.

"Careful, Kite."

2:44 PM

"I heard that shot. Be quick."

"Yeah, yeah I know." Kite. More gunshots. (edited)

This operation will be a total bust if Johnner dies before we can get a name out of him (edited)

2:46 PM

Hm

2:46 PM

Why the hell is Lelouch here?

2:46 PM

Maybe it's to do with her kidnapping a few days ago? She might want revenge or something.

2:47 PM

Johnner might have been the one to order that.

2:47 PM

She wasn't the one who got kidnapped though, right? They got the wrong person.

2:47 PM

It was supposed to be Sophie, right?

2:48 PM

She's not here though. Last I heard, she was in a coma.

2:48 PM

Maria then. That must be the one she meant when she said one of them wandered off and got kidnapped.

2:48 PM

She's definietley here.

2:49 PM

"What's going on over there..." Shawn unconciously mutters

2:52 PM

This is all too much

"Who's being shot?" ???. "I dunno! But I'll get to them later. Tell me what you've been up to." Kite.

"Ask him if he remembered who he is."

"Fine, fine... Do you remember who you are now?" Kite. "Uh...... no?" ???.

2:54 PM

"Then what've you been doing for a week?" Kite.

2:56 PM

"I don't know what you mean." ???.

"Shit. Maybe he's had more memory loss."

"Ugh... Just tell me. Are you pro-Johnner or anti-Johnner?" Kite.

"Reterograde amnesia i think"

2:57 PM

"Or anterograde. I don't remember the name."

2:57 PM

"I'm talking your ear off. Sorry."

"I'm... uh... I was going to overthrow him." ???.

"What?"

2:59 PM

"Why?"

2:59 PM

"Ask him why."

"Why?" Kite.

3:03 PM

"I agreed to." ???.

"Elaborate."

"What does that mean?" Kite.

3:06 PM

"I was going to kill him, and then I'd take over his job, and someone else would take over the upper boss." ???.

"Wait, what? Does he know who the boss of the organization is now?"

3:07 PM

"And... Who ordered this userpation?"

"Who?" Kite.

3:12 PM

"Alexi." ???.

Alexi... Alexi

3:13 PM

"Ive never heard anyone named that."

3:13 PM

Shawn searches Alexi on the crimeputer

"Me neither."

3:14 PM

Alexi is a very normal name so there are too many results to sort through.

"Ask if she has a last name."

"What?" ???.

3:17 PM

"Does she have a last name?" Kite.

3:19 PM

"No." ???.

Shawn narrows his search for Alexi by things that might be in the description. Names like Dana, Harriet, Lelouch, Ariel, or Johnner

Nothing.

"Whoever this lady is, she's like the sentasaurus. Elusive."

"This is going nowhere." Kite.

"Keep pressing him."

"Why are you asking me about this?" ??? "Just let me out..." "Shouldn't I move on to Lelouch?" Kite.

"Maybe..."

3:26 PM

"What benefit would we have for freeing him? We're against the mafia as a whole, not just Johnner."

"Why would you do that?" ???.

3:27 PM

"Give us a reason to let you out. We're heroes, y'know? Not just against Johnner specifically." Kite.

"Don't say we!"

"I need it to not die." ???.

"It? Does he mean the mob?"

"You mean the mob?" Kite.

3:33 PM

"What? No?" ???. "Then what do you mean?" Kite.

3:36 PM

"I mean I'll... die from not eating enough. If I can't get out of the cage. I think." ???.

"How long have you been in there?"

3:37 PM

"Sorry. He"

3:37 PM

"They? It i guess."

"How long have you been here?" Kite.

3:40 PM

"I don't know." ???.

"What do you think, Kite? He could be useful, but I don't trust him fully."

"Me neither." Kite. "I'll come back to save you later."

"Get out of there quickly."

"What!? What am I supposed to do?" ???.

3:48 PM

"Alright... Looks like the gunshots are coming from this room." Kite.

"Be careful, Kite."

3:48 PM

"Avoid Lelouch like the plauge."

"Yeah, yeah, I know... Jade's the one I'm worried about, though. ...Huh. There's nothing in this room."

"Jade has the spray, right."

3:51 PM

"What?"

3:52 PM

"Look around."

"Nah... I know a faster way." Shawn can hear the sounds of him breaking things. "Huh. Some kind of elevator shaft. Can your suit protect me from a fall?"

"Probably." (edited)

3:52 PM

"It's like immune to physics or whatever."

3:53 PM

"Use your crowbar to slide down though. Falling will make a lot of noise."

"Let's find out." ...Bang. "It does."

God, he's such a dork. I love him a lot.

3:54 PM

"Good."

The sound of an explosion rings out. "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah."

3:54 PM

"What was that?"

3:55 PM

"Can't be good..."

"I dunno... I'll follow the sound."

"Okay. Stay safe, Kite."

"Found them. Looks like they're trying to break through some kind of wall." Kite is whispering again.

"Is Johnner there?"

"If a rocket launcher didn't work, what could possibly break through that wall?" Gordon.

3:57 PM

"Jade really is funny." Lelouch.

3:59 PM

Kite lets out an "Ew..." that's way too loud.

"Shhh!!"

"...Fuck." He whispers.

"They heard you?"

4:00 PM

"Don't say anything. If they think that you're me, go along with it."

4:00 PM

"Lelouch might order you to break that door."

"Ha... I mean. Guess who can break through that wall." Kite. "You again..." Jade speaks with disgust.

"Be careful, Kite..."

4:03 PM

"Run if you need to. You're more important then the mission."

"Fuck off." Lelouch.

4:03 PM

"I miss the kissing part." Harriet.

4:04 PM

"Girls kissing girl? What are you, a (homophobic slur)?" Kite, a gay man. (edited)

"slrfbhesdczxc"

4:05 PM

"Kite, please don't try to piss off the people who can mind control you."

4:05 PM

"Not any more then you have to."

4:05 PM

"Not that they don't deserve it."

4:05 PM

"I'm gonna shut up."

"If anyone's a (homophobic slur), it's you!" Lelouch, a lesbian woman.

Hey, no one calls Kite gay but me!

"Stop trying to insert your pathetic narrative into our story and accept you're a bottomfeeder who'll only be useful when, and I say that confidentally, me and Jade spray you." Lelouch.

"SHE'S the bottom feeder!!!"

4:08 PM

"Stupid bitch."

"No one here is a homosexual." Harriet says confidently. "I don't think we need to make baseless assumptions." "Not if I have anything to say about it!" Kite.

"I'm pretty sure everyone here is homosexual." Shawn accidentally says outloud

"JADE!" Lelouch.

"This is bad, Kite... The suit won't prevent you from getting sprayed probably. Keep your distance."

"Uh..." Kite. "I think... I think Jade's dead?"

"What?"

4:10 PM

"What????"

4:10 PM

"How? What happened?"

"What the fuck? What the fuck?" Harriet.

"What the hell is going on over there?"

"Johnner's through that wall, right?" Kite.

"I don't know. I think so?"

4:12 PM

Shawn checks the plans that Howard had prepared

"Then... I've just gotta kill the rest of you and finish my job. Ha... Being a hero's never been so easy." Kite.

"Kite?"

4:13 PM

"What's going on?"

"...What did you do?" Lelouch. "Where the fuck is Jade?" "Shoot me. Don't worry... I won't die." Kite.

4:15 PM

Gunshot. "What the FUCK did you do to my girlfriend?" Lelouch. "Ha... As if I'd admit not knowing something." Kite says smugly.

4:15 PM

"Oh shit, that was your girlfriend?" Harriet. "Don't make me put the next bullet through your head, if the skull's not thick enough." Lelouch.

What the hell is going on there?

4:16 PM

Is Jade dead?

4:16 PM

Where did Dana and Ariel go?

"Come on, Lelouch. Kill me. I'm waiting!" Kite.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry," Harriet says miserably. "There's something really wrong with me, Jesus.... I'm sorry - I don't know what I'm doing.. is that a defense? That I didn't know? I need........"

She sounds really pathetic.

4:21 PM

Shawn would know

"Jeez, you guys are boring... Come on. You gonna make me the only one doing anything this whole fight?" Kite.

"Don't tempt them, Kite! The spray, remember?"

4:22 PM

"Unless Jade had it when she... dissapeared? Or something? What's happening?"

Gunshot. "Aha! That's more like it!" Kite.

"..."

"That's why you never give men what they want." Lelouch. "Just take the wall away or whatever and get the fuck out."

4:27 PM

"Nah... This is payback. For real this time." Kite. "It really... Didn't hurt so much after all. Taking a life. Lot of build up for nothing, I guess. It's kind of embarassing. But you... Your whole crowd... Everyone who stands in my way. I'm gonna make 'em pay for what you've done." Several gunshots. "...Nah. Not like that. Let's do this my way." Kite. (edited)

"..."

4:27 PM

"Welcome to the club, I guess."

4:27 PM

"Kick their fucking asses."

4:29 PM

Are they fighting? Can shawn hear it?

“MAOZIWAM!” Dana. “Who is this?” (edited)

"Kite? What's happening?"

There's clear sounds of fighting.

"..."

4:44 PM

Shawn checks quickly on Howard

4:44 PM

Is he still asleep?

Still unconscious.

Good

4:45 PM

Shawn returns to the mic

4:45 PM

God this sucks. Shawn doesn't know whats happening at all

4:45 PM

Worse, he can't do anything.

4:45 PM

Kite better keep his promise.

"He's an asshole who calls himself Kite, can't bother to remember his real name. He's got a pathetic, useless hero complex and loves to villanise women. Also, he loves getting in the way of my plans because of whatever problems he's got brewing in his head, which is just the icing on the shitcake that is Kite." Lelouch.

"Call her a [homophobic slur] again."

4:52 PM

What's going on......

Dana Craig screams in pain. But then she laughs. “Ha… hahahaha! Not gone, not one hit…. Heh… I guess I’m made of stronger stuff than… ugh, not his nickname or your shitty grudge, you idiot, I… Ariel. Ariel! Ariel please. Ariel, I need you Ariel, please. I don’t want to die. I don’t… I can still win. I have a lot left to do. I’m gonna be… so good. For you. Okay? I just… I need more time. I need to live. Please! Ariel, I…. I love you. I didn’t say it before. Sorry. Please. I don’t want to die. I just, I… you can help me, you’re special, I… Ariel, I…” This goes on indefinitely! Some of it is audible.

This hurts to listen to. It reminds Shawn of himself begging Kite to take him back at the hospital

5:01 PM

It’s earnest in its patheticness.

5:01 PM

Shawn didn’t know if Dana deserved what it is. But if she’s anything like Shawn, probably

"Thanks." Dana.

What?

((End session))

((Saturday))

Hello?

There’s the sound of an incredibly close gunshot.

"Kite!!!! Are you okay?"

3:34 PM

This is so frustrating

3:34 PM

Why won't he respond?

3:34 PM

What is going on over there?

3:34 PM

Why am I so powerless here? Why can't i DO anything?

3:35 PM

Am I supposed to just sit and watch?

“Kite… I’ve actually seen you before, funnily enough. But I’m confused. By what’s changed. Just, this isn’t right.” Dana pauses. “I mean, where’s your boyfriend?”

3:44 PM

"You mean my bro?" Kite.

3:45 PM

“Call it what you will.” Dana chuckles.

"What?"

3:47 PM

"Where has she seen us before?"

"Heh…" Kite. "Thanks for reminding me. Now I’m REALLY in the mood to kill Lelouch."

"What are you talking about?"

3:47 PM

"Can you even hear me?"

"Yeah, I can hear you! Jeez! Stop distracting me!" Kite.

3:49 PM

“You’re really fucking bad at killing Lelouch, man.” Dana.

"How does she know us?"

"How should I know!?" Kite.

"Ask her!"

3:51 PM

"Threaten her!"

3:52 PM

“Whatever, focus on the mission. Don’t get hurt.”

"You! Tell me how you know us!" Kite.

3:54 PM

“I have an informant.” Dana. "Us…?" (edited)

“Shit.”

3:56 PM

“I mean, she means the Advent Guard. She said as much before”

"Hey!" Lelouch. "Cop, be useful and get in front of me!"

“Is that Kingsley? Don’t kill him!”

“Who is he talking to?” Dana. “I’m not even supposed to be here, man.”

What the hell is going on over there? (edited)

Ariel. "We can’t hurt you… And we don’t want to die. So how about a trade." "Nuh-uh. Not happening." Kite. Ariel. "I’m a woman. I can make myself useful to you, okay?"

?????

"Don't! You don't want to associate with Kite. He's like, a horrible guy! He forced Maria to kiss him!" Lelouch.

"Don't listen to them, bro."

"Obviously I’m not!" Kite.

"That girl, Ariel. We don't really want to kill her if we don't have to either."

4:24 PM

"They can't be trusted if they're under Lelouch control though."

4:24 PM

Shawn is still kinda paniced from that wearing off

Kite. "I’ve had enough kissing girls for the day." Ariel. "I meant… This. I’m good in this kind of supporting role." (edited)

"Does she have powers?"

“I don’t want to associate with you, either.” Dana. “If we can get out of this without anyone in this room being slaughtered by bullshit magic, that’s great. But I’ll settle for less.”

4:25 PM

"I don't force women to kiss me because I'm insecure!" Lelouch.

"She totally does."

“What does that mean, Ariel?” Dana.

4:26 PM

"That’s because you do it to boys!" Kite says confidently.

4:27 PM

"I WOULD NEVER KISS A MAN! I'M NOT YOU!" Lelouch. (edited)

4:27 PM

"The eyepatch." Ariel.

4:27 PM

“Everything I do is consensual." Dana. “…Oh. I kind of assumed that was like… a stylistic choice? I guess that’s my bad.”

4:28 PM

"Are you sure that eyepatch isn't just to make people think he's cooler than he is? It sounds like something he'd do." Lelouch.

I always liked the eyepatch. It makes him look cool

“It’s kind of cool. Credit where it’s due.” Dana. "It's not on him." Lelouch.

4:30 PM

"Nope! 100% real!" Kite. Ariel. "There you go!"

"Don't get distracted."

"Ew." Lelouch. "…What?" Kite sounds completely stunned.

4:33 PM

“I don’t know if that was a good…” Dana trails off. "Why couldn't you have made him completely blind? Effectively neutralise his annoying ass." Lelouch. “That is not how it works.” Dana. "Well then- double up his eyepatch or whatever. Block his vision instead of bettering it." Lelouch.

“What’s going on? Did she fix your eye?”

“I don’t think it does anything to anything but— why am I even bothering? That’s dumb. He’s impervious to harm, obviously.” Dana.

4:35 PM

"Yea, yea, whatever." Lelouch grumbles. "Now that you have two eyes," she turns to Kite, "can you see how annoying you are?" “Hah.” Dana.

4:36 PM

"You... Erased it. The scar." Kite. "Yeah. Try to keep up." Gordon.

4:37 PM

"Why don't you put your new eye to good use and find the exit?" Lelouch. "I'm asleep," Harriet repeats.

4:38 PM

“Please don’t tell me you considered it necessary or core to your identity somehow.” Dana sighs. “This is already enough of a comedy of errors.”

“I’m sorry, Kite.”

"How dare you!" Kite. "That scar was who I am! I... How dare you kill the great Kite like that!? I'm a hero! And being a hero means suffering! So I'm gonna kill you all... And when I do, I'm gonna get so many scars it'll make that cripple look privileged!"

4:42 PM

"That's.. really rude." Harriet.

4:44 PM

"Ow." Harriet.

…

4:51 PM

Shawn isn’t Beetle without the suit that protects him from harm. Maybe Ray thinks he isn’t Kite without the scars from the harm that’s been done to him

"Kite!" Lelouch.

“I’m sorry, Kite. I’m sorry.”

4:57 PM

“I’m… I’m…”

5:00 PM

Agh

5:01 PM

Why isn’t Shawn there. Why can’t Shawn be there for him. Why couldn’t Shawn have prevented…. (edited)

5:01 PM

I’m such a fucking waste

5:01 PM

I hate this

5:01 PM

I hate everything about this

5:02 PM

We’re heros, right? We do hero work. Why do we do this to ourselves. We only seem to make ourselves miserable

5:04 PM

I don’t want Kite to be hurt. That’s the last thing I want. So… why does he keep putting himself in these situations? Why can’t I stop him? (edited)

5:05 PM

Killing Lelouch no matter how badly she deserves it won’t make him feel better

"You came here for me, right? To kill me?" Lelouch. "Well then, why're you wasting time and energy hitting defenceless women? What, are you too much of a chicken shit to actually do it? Is that why you've dolled yourself up in some dumbass suit and armed yourself with a crowbar? Too scared a girl will beat your ass without something to cripple her?"

“Don’t let her get to you.”

5:06 PM

“If she still has the perfume that’s the number 1 threat.”

"Coward. No wonder you had to force a woman to kiss you." Lelouch. Gunshot.

It’s awful to hear this. Guns and yelling and… i can’t do anything here. Why am I here. Why can’t I help. What am I doing….

“You…” Dana mutters. “You… idiot. You shit-for-brains, cliched, pathetic, masochistic moron. I want you to understand this. I think you’re like me. I won’t get through your thick, worthless skull with any moralizing. Ohhh, you struck down a poor innocent woman! Stuff like that. You did, obviously. But who cares? You knew that. That’s a given. Why you’re here. I don’t want to tell you that.”

“Kite?”

"I think there's something really wrong with me, Alexi." Harriet says, and her voice is quiet. "I don't... I get what you were trying to say now, about the bravery, and holding myself in contempt... but I can't do it. Do you understand?. I think I used to be brave. I remember a point where I had, fuck, aspirations towards something. Which is why I started doing all of this in the first place, you know? But it's different now. It's so different. Fuck, I can't even... I used to refer to myself as I, you know, but it's all Harriet now, that unenviable distance. Do you get it? There's nothing here. God cleaned out all the rooms and turned the lights off."

5:21 PM

"If you're here, send me a sign. Turn me into a meat crayon. Puppet me, okay? I don't want to be this anymore." Harriet.

…

5:22 PM

“Don’t kill her, man. She doesn’t deserve that.”

5:23 PM

Shawn didn’t… I didn’t really know how to feel about that

"Okay, fuck, then," Harriet says, increasingly desperate - "The other one. The other one, I know you're there, I can feel you. You want me to be nice. I'm being nice. I'm on the ground. I can shoot myself in the head right now if it would make me a prettier corpse, okay? So please tell me something. Anything. I'll take it all."

Is she talking about me?

5:27 PM

Who does she… what?

5:27 PM

I don’t understand this. I don’t understand anything

5:29 PM

I’m sorry. I don’t know how to help you

5:30 PM

“What’s going on Kite? Is someone dead?”

“I want to make sure you understand. K… no, I won’t dignify your pansy ass stage name. Whoever you really are? You’re pathetic. You’re the dumbest person I’ve ever met. Next time you want to act against your own interest so brazenly and loudly, save the trouble for you and everyone else. Just kill yourself normally. I think I saw some rope upstairs.” Dana. “That was a gender thing, though. Men like it louder and grander, right? Crashing your car, suicide by cop. Too much pride to go softly. I don’t have any delusions you’ll listen to me, though. You don’t have the guts to do anything like that. Ohhhhh… Suffering? Don’t make me laugh. If you want to fetishize whatever sob story you’ve got, you don’t get to do that while fighting as the biggest pussy I’ve ever seen. I’m the only one suffering here… and it’s because you’re fucking boring!”

5:35 PM

"Fuck!" Kite.

Shawn goes from weirdly sad to fuming

5:36 PM

“Fuck off, lady! Who the fuck are you?!”

5:36 PM

“She can’t hear me. Damn it.”

5:37 PM

“Don’t listen to a thing she says. Kite. That stupid idiot bitch doesn’t understand half the shit we’ve been through.”

“Gehahahaha! Ohhh, you’ve really got it made!” Dana.

5:42 PM

"Cop, Gordon, one of you distract him while the other grabs that magic paintbrush or whatever and heal the WOMEN!" Lelouch. "I don't take orders from you." Gordon. Gunshots.

5:46 PM

"I meant TACKLE him, not SHOOT him!" Lelouch.

5:49 PM

"Ugh..." Lelouch. "...You're really pathetic for a guy who says he wants to kill me and then harms every other woman but me."

5:51 PM

Gunshot. (edited)

“Kite stay safe okay.”

5:58 PM

Shawn can’t do anything here. He’s barely even an observer

5:59 PM

He’s been made into a bystander

“I… I don’t… wanna…g—” Dana.

Did Kite actually kill them all?

6:01 PM

God. This hurts

6:02 PM

Even if Shawn did say something to stop him, would he actually listen?

6:02 PM

If Shawn does nothing, is he complicit?

6:02 PM

If he does something, will he hurt Kite?

6:03 PM

God, what can he even do?

6:03 PM

"Kite... Please, just..."

6:03 PM

That Dana bitch probably deserved it

6:07 PM

Ugh

Lelouch sighs. "This is NOT what I needed today."

"Shut the fuck up Lelouch"

6:10 PM

Shawn is tired and frustrated. Why is this happening. Why can't things be simple

6:10 PM

He looks at Howard. He misses when he was with Kite and Howard was helping them.

6:11 PM

It's past midnight. Shawn just wants to sleep

Kite. "Just me and you now…"

"What happened, man?"

"Oh for fuck's sakes." Lelouch.

6:15 PM

"He was my ride out of here, you dick." Lelouch.

6:19 PM

"You asked, so I’ll say it. I didn’t come here for you. I didn’t come here for any of you. I came here to be a hero. To stop Jeff Johnner. When I saw you, I jumped at the opportunity for revenge. You took my bro. You took my second bro. And then… You tried to take me too. That’s unforgivable. For that… I was gonna kill you. But that 'I' doesn’t mean anything anymore." Kite. "My eye's back. My ear's back. She killed Kite. So our grudge is dead, you got that?"

...

6:25 PM

Shawn puts his head down against the desk and puts his arms over his head

6:25 PM

Second bro?

6:26 PM

Kite's dead?

6:26 PM

It was just earlier today that Shawn had a crisis over this. How he didnt know Kite.

6:27 PM

He knows Kite! He thinks he does.

6:27 PM

He wants nothing more then to be with him.

6:28 PM

Why does the gap between us feel like its widening always.

6:31 PM

"I'm... I'm sorry."

6:31 PM

Nothing mattered to Shawn other then Kite right now. But... Kite just suffered the worst thing ever for him, and Shawn wasn't there to help him through it.

6:34 PM

If Kite doesn't have that grudge against Lelouch anymore, does he still love me?

6:34 PM

God, I'm such a fucking asshole

6:35 PM

Fuck, it's not like I can do or say anything else here. What am I supposed to do?

6:35 PM

I'm still furious at Lelouch. If Kite doesn't want to be the person who does that, then I'll be the one to stick a crowbar through her chest

"...You got your revenge the minute you took away Jade. I wouldn't have gone easy on you, would've given you hell both verbally and physically. But you're invincible or whatever, and you know you're invincible. You know no matter what I did, or said, or shot, you would've been fine. And now, you're surrounded by 4 unconscious people and one dead person, because..." Lelouch. "...because of a reason that doesn't fucking exist anymore. I can't even do what I came here to do, so... I got it."

6:41 PM

"…That’s funny. I don’t feel better." Kite.

…

"Everyone’s down. Moving on to Johnner." Kite says bitterly, then a strange grating noise is heard. "You heard what I said right? About a second bro?" He pauses. "It’s fine. I’ll be your second Kite, too." "…You made it?"" Johnner says weakly.

6:43 PM

((End session))

((Saturday))

((I will try lol))

9:07 PM

((We’ll see))

"…You made it?" Johnner says weakly.

…

"Yeah. It was a piece of cake, really." Kite. "So what... You're gonna kill me now? Seems I'm really popular tonight. Must be my birthday." Johnner.

Too much is happening for Shawn to process it all

"Nah, I'm not gonna kill you. I need a name. Your boss." Kite. Johnner laughs weakly but smugly. "You sure you want me to beat it out of you? Seems like you already don't have much left in you." Kite,

What’s with that reaction?

"You couldn't get it out of me... No matter what you did." Johnner. "You sure? You already look half-dead. Do you have a death wish or something?" Kite. "...Heh. We're all slowly dying, don't you know? We're like addicts... Drunk on death." Johnner makes a strange click noise.

What was that?

2:51 PM

“Kite, be careful.”

"He just lit a cigarette." Kite whispers.

“Isn’t he like… dying?”

2:56 PM

“Get the info.”

"Just tell me your boss's name." Kite. "You see this? It's death. Sweet... Slow release. You wanna threaten me with death or pain... You really think I've ever known anything else? I live every day of my life knowing someday I'm gonna be the one biting the bullet. And to that I say.... Come at me. Throw your shot. Make it count. Maybe you'll finally be the one..." Johnner. (edited)

“He’s useless dead.”

3:03 PM

“We’re here to uproot him.”

"What?" Kite. "But... If I must say... I don't really like it being you. You're one of those special spoiled types, aren't you? Get your magic reward that tears down society's walls... Because you're just so sure you know better than anyone else. Because you've never had to suffer a day in your life, have you? You've never known what it's like to watch those you love die? You... And Lelouch... And Dana... You're just... Such spoiled brats, aren't you? I'd have liked... Dying to someone who earned it. If I had the choice." Johnner.

Earned it? What the fuck does that mean. Has he earned any kind of legitimacy after he killed countless people? Did they earn the right to die?

"Never had to suffer?" Shawn hears the mic move away from Kite, as if he's taken off the mask. "My name is Ray Elliot. I was raised by people who were part of Edlightenment. Everything I've ever had... I've lost. Even my self. Suffering's in my blood. You wanna go and brag about how much your life sucks while you sit on top of your special little gangster pile of money? Fuck you. I'm everything you could ever want to be... And I don't have to go and chainsmoke cigarettes to play victim all day."

… (edited)

"You're... What?" Johnner. "Not so funny now, is it? Now give me the fucking name!" Kite.

Kite… please be careful….

"...I can't." Johnner. "You're not some noble hero! You're the bad guy at the end of the dungeon! So don't act like you've got anything left to protect!" Kite. "I am some noble hero!" Johnner snaps.

“Don’t be afraid to threaten him.”

"What is a hero to you, huh? Someone who does what they believe in. Someone who's not afraid to love what they do... And fight for that! I've hurt people... But I've been hurt too. And I'm sure those people have hurt plenty all the same. You don't get to go and pretend you're better than me!" Johnner. Kite's voice is close again, as if the mask is back on. "Do you seriously believe that? Really? What makes anything you've done anything short of cruel and inhuman?" "Because I do it for my boss! I do it for a man I believe in... A man who chose me when I had no one else to turn to!" Johnner.

…

"And what gives him the right to choose, huh?" Kite. "Because he's god. Walking among us." Johnner. "Put me in a room with him and my crowbar, I'll show you just how mortal he is." Kite.

“Don’t threaten to kill him when we need info.”

3:32 PM

“If he thinks he’s a hero, then it’s our justice versus his justice. We’ll prove ours is the right one when we win.”

Johnner just laughs. "...It's more metaphorical than that." "Then let me make something clear for you. The only god you'll ever meet is me." Kite.

…

"If your boss is so noble and good in your eyes, why do you wanna die so bad? Get real. You don't believe in jackshit. You saw a guy be nice to you... Pick you up... And you made that your whole personality like a little whiny bitch. He made you his bitch while you sit back here and go pretend you're some noble good guy for picking up a shift in middle-management. You want to prove he's as good as you say? Give me his name. We'll do a little natural selection and see who he really is when you drag him down the land of mortals. 'Cause I sure as hell haven't seen anything that makes him sound like anything short of the devil." Kite.

Shawn can’t really describe why but what he just heard made him feel awful suddenly

"…Shuichi Maoziwam." Johnner speaks. "…What?" Howard Scott speaks.

“What???”

3:43 PM

“Wait, shit. When did you wake up?”

3:44 PM

Shawn prepares to fight

Howard is still handcuffed and can’t move. "But that’s… So obvious? Why go to such lengths to hide a secret anyone would’ve guessed as a default?" "Maoziwam? Like… Lelouch?" Kite.

“It’s Lelouch’s dad, yeah.” Into the microphone (edited)

"Press the button. He’ll need it!" Howard.

“What does it do.”

3:57 PM

“I don’t trust you, remember.”

"Heh… You really think I didn’t let that slip on purpose?" Howard scowls. "It tells the cops it’s fine to bring in all of his associates before they can react."

Shawn inspects to see if he’s lying

4:01 PM

((13))

He’s very confident. No hesitation in his claim.

“Kite, Scott is awake again.”

4:03 PM

“He says the button will tell the cops to bring in the other associates of the mob before they can react.”

4:03 PM

“Should I press it? I’m worried.”

"Ha." Kite laughs. "That's checkmate, Johnner. My partner's about to bring in everyone who's ever worked for you. And there's not gonna be any boss to save you now." Johnner sighs strangely. He sounds some mixture of content and disappointed. "...I guess that is pretty funny."

…

4:13 PM

Shawn presses the button

BANG And then static.

“Kite? Kite??”

4:16 PM

“Are you there?”

4:16 PM

“What’s going on?”

"You remember earlier? When I randomly decided to grab your suit?" Howard.

“What did you…”

4:17 PM

“What did you do!!??!!”

"I put a bomb... Inside your suit." Howard smirks awkwardly.

Shawn punches Howard

4:18 PM

He hits him again and again and again

The door opens and Shawn feels a gun raised to the back of his head. "I'm... Sorry sir." It's Kingsley. "Just in time..." Howard mumbles through the pain.

“No…”

4:19 PM

Shawn jumps on top of Howard

4:20 PM

He tries to choke him, tearing into his throat

((Roll))

((6))

Shawn is pulled off of Howard and held down by Kingsley. Howard awkwardly coughs a few times.

Shawn desperately struggles to escape. He is going to kill Howard and he’s rather die then let him leave

"Don't worry... Shawn Duveldt. I'm not gonna let you die in vain." Howard smirks awkwardly again. "I'll let you live your dream. ...The whole world's gonna know the name Advent Guard." (edited)

“FUCK YOU”

4:24 PM

“I’LL TEAR YOUR FUCKING THROAT OUT!”

4:25 PM

“And don’t fucking call me Shawn.”

"You're supposed to ask how I know your name." Howard jokes. "But then again, it's more surprising you didn't question how I could've followed you without learning who you were in the first place."

“Was this your plan the whole time?”

4:26 PM

“You fucking animal.”

"Not really... You were supposed to die too. But... I guess I can work with this. It really is nothing personal, y'know? You really were just a useful criminal. I just can't let powers like you keep running around my city. The only superpower I allow is mine: The Police. Kingsley, knock him out." Howard. "It really is nothing personal... But he's the hero." Kingsley knocks Shawn out. ((End session))

I never got to say goodbye

((Saturday))

Shawn is standing in a hallway.

I’m here again…

A door creaks open slightly.

“Kite?”

No response.

…

5:13 PM

“Are you there?”

5:14 PM

Shawns voice is creaky and desperate

No response.

I don’t want to open the door

5:15 PM

Can’t you just let me out this once

The door creaks open slightly more.

It’s unavoidable, I guess

5:19 PM

Shawn steps forward

5:21 PM

Shawn reaches for the doorknob (edited)

5:24 PM

I know what’s behind this door. I don’t want to open it. I shouldn’t. Do I have to? Why am I doing this.

5:24 PM

Shawn opens the door

Mats Rumen's corpse lays on the floor of the room.

“What do you want!”

5:26 PM

“What do you want from me!”

5:27 PM

“Leave me alone!!!”

Another door creaks slightly open.

“Aagh!!”

5:30 PM

Shawn marches forward, frustrated

5:30 PM

He walks to the door and opens it

Jeff Johnner’s corpse lays inside.

"These were... you were murderers! criminals!"

5:33 PM

"If I didn't do it, someone would have!"

5:34 PM

"I'm..."

The final door creaks open slightly.

I know whats behind that door

5:37 PM

I don't want to face him. I can't... I...

5:38 PM

Shawn opens the final door

Kite's corpse lays on the cold hard floor.

Shawn walks over to his body and holds it beneath his arms

5:41 PM

Kite's body doesn't exist anymore, does it? It was blown up

5:41 PM

He won't even be able to be buried

5:41 PM

This is the only way I can hold him now

It fades away into dust in his arms.

No

5:41 PM

No

5:41 PM

Wait

5:41 PM

Please

5:41 PM

No

5:41 PM

Come back

5:41 PM

Please

5:41 PM

Please

5:42 PM

Please

5:42 PM

Don't leave me

5:42 PM

Please

5:42 PM

Please

5:42 PM

I can't lose you again.

5:42 PM

Please

5:42 PM

please

5:43 PM

i love you Kite. I've loved you since the day we met

5:43 PM

I don't know what to

5:43 PM

I

"Shawn Duveldt." Mats's voice comes from behind him.

Shawn turns around

Everyone he’s met in Advehnt Guard, dead or alive, is standing there. They’re all armed.

They deserve it

5:47 PM

But if anyone was going to kill me... I would have wanted it to be him.

5:48 PM

I've hurt him enough. Hell, I killed him.

5:49 PM

I don't want to die. Not really. But what's the point of living anymore. There's nothing here for me but pain and suffering and grief and loss.

5:49 PM

I'm a terrible person and my sins can't be erased. I deserve the worst punishment possible.

5:51 PM

Why can't someone just kill me.

5:51 PM

Kite's eyes were healed before he died. But I didn't get to see it. I never got to look him in the eyes.

5:51 PM

I never got to say goodbye to him

They rush him with an all-out attack from Masquerade V.

You got me! Ahahahaha....

"Giving you that power was a mistake!" Ehn. "You're just a selfish boy, hurting everyone for your love." Lillian. "You're a villain, Shawn. You could never do anything for anyone but yourself." Howard. "You could have had all the love you wanted if you'd simply stuck with us." Jade and Lelouch. "You're a criminal! Just like those you fight, you deserve nothing short of hell!" Jessica. "I trusted you... And you used that trust to become a murderer." Kingsley. "You swore to protect me... But you didn't, did you? And then... You still sided with the one who did that to me?" Maria. "Lelouch did that to me... And yet I'm the one who suffered at your hands." Mats. "How much more will people have to suffer for your pathetic ego? How much longer will you let your life tear down and hurt everyone you see? When will you understand that you're the villain?" Everyone else.

Is what I did so wrong!? Am I so evil!? I just... I just wanted to do good! I just wanted to feel like I was doing good! And... And I don't fucking know how!! I don't know what I'm doing ever!!! I'm scared and I'm alone and I just

6:07 PM

I'm the worst fucking person who's ever lived

6:08 PM

Shawn's eyes gleaned yellow. Maybe if they destroy his shadow they'll fix what's wrong with him. What's broken.

6:10 PM

He can realize the error of his ways and stop being such a terrible person and stop hurting everyone he loves and maybe then he won't be the worst person who ever lived

6:12 PM

Can't you do that for me? Destroy my shadow? Pick out the parts of my brain that make me awful!?

6:12 PM

It wouldn't be so hard.

6:12 PM

You'd be a hero

6:12 PM

You'd have stopped me.

Kill me! Unmake me! I'm nothing without him.

Kite approaches him. "This is what you deserve, bro."

"I know."

6:23 PM

"What I wanted wasn't wrong. Why wasn't I allowed to be happy? Why can't I make it work?"

6:23 PM

"Am I just broken, Kite?"

"You will be now." Kite swings the crowbar through his heart, destroying the beetle suit around it. He becomes merely Shawn Duveldt.

"..."

6:25 PM

"Is the Advent Guard over?" (edited)

6:25 PM

"You promised you'd come back to me."

6:26 PM

"You... you can't..."

6:26 PM

"Don't just leave me here..."

They all slowly fade away.

"Why can't you just kill me!!!"

6:27 PM

"I can't stand this! I cannot stand this! I don't want to live anymore!!!!"

In time, the only ones left are Shawn’s parents.

Shawn breaks down crying on the floor

They just turn and walk out through the door.

"I can't be alone!!! I don't want to be alone!!!"

The door slowly creaks closed.

Shawns eyes still burn bright yellow

6:33 PM

He cries and cries and cries

When it closes, the room simply becomes an endless dark void.

This must be hell. If I'm still alive, then hell cannot possibly be worse then this

And then, finally, Shawn falls. He wakes up in the computer room, handcuffed and on his knees. Howard is standing next to him. ((End session))

((No session this week))

The Evasive Kidinkasaurus ⭐ started a thread. 9/19/2023 1:12 PM

((Saturday))

He wakes up in the computer room, handcuffed and on his knees. Howard is standing next to him.

I try to get up, despite how weak I feel and how awful my headache is (edited)

Howard pushes him back down. "Not yet."

"Why...?"

2:06 PM

"Why did you..."

2:06 PM

"I should've let him kill you while i had the chance."

"Heh… Tragic though we find it, life’s always got a plan it seems." He chuckles. "You’re a murderer too, kid. Actions have consequences. It was always gonna turn out this way, no matter what we did. I just lined my cards up right." (edited)

"You're horrible."

"Well, at least I’m honest."

"Say whatever you want about me. I don't care."

2:13 PM

"Why did you kill him? He's done... He's innocent in all this."

2:13 PM

"He would have helped you given the chance."

"It should’ve been you, you know? It was your suit, after all. But I guess you got lucky. I can respect that." He grimaced. "So, here’s the deal. I’ll give you exactly what he wanted… And all you’ve gotta do is play along."

That bomb would have killed both of us...

2:16 PM

"What he wanted????"

2:16 PM

"I can tell you exactly what he wanted, and it was to be here now with me."

2:17 PM

"Don't fucking... Don't fucking say that!"

"You sure that wasn’t what you wanted?"

"Shut up!!"

2:18 PM

"You didn't know him!"

"I know everything I need to. Guys like him are a dime a dozen in my line of work, you know? Let me see… He wanted fame, right? Wanted everyone to know that stupid nickname of his."

"He was more then that." I'm holding back tears (edited)

"People are simpler than you think. You’ll find a replacement in no time."

"What, like you did?"

2:35 PM

“Don’t lecture me about finding a replacement. Or are you telling me you’re over Gus?”

He doesn't immediately answer. "...Look, here's the point. You're going to jail now. For pretty much everything that's gone wrong in this city over the past 2 weeks. There's no changing that. But... The public ought to buy it more if you say it yourself, you know? There's a room full of reporters out there... I'm giving you one chance to tell the world who's name to remember."

“You’re letting me take the fall?”

2:39 PM

“I’m 17!!”

2:40 PM

“In the last two weeks me and kite have done more for this city then you have in the last however many years you’ve been around.”

"I don't give a shit. Take it or leave it. You're not talking me out of anything."

“Why should I blame it all on myself. What’s the trade-off here? Why shouldn’t I just tell everyone that you’re a murderer.”

2:42 PM

“Do you have my parents hostage or something?”

"Because if you do, the statement just won't be released."

"So what?"

"I'm giving you the choice. Fame or spite. What do you wanna remember this moment for, huh?"

“Is this your idea of mercy?”

"Does it matter?"

"You took away the only things in the world that mattered to me. Now you want me to, what, get on a podium and tell everyone how sorry I am?"

2:52 PM

"Why?!"

"I already told you. It makes things a little easier."

"For you?"

"Yeah. I just explained this."

"You're the worst grief counselor I've ever met."

2:57 PM

"I'd hate to imagine how you've been handeling Gus's murder."

"I know you're trying to piss me off. It's not working."

2:57 PM

"You know why that is?"

"I saw him right after he died, by the way. He looked weak. Tired."

2:58 PM

"Do you think you could have helped him?"

"No matter how you might pretend, I'm better than you, kid. 'Cause I'm gonna do something about it." Howard stares him down. Kingsley walks in. "Uh... Sir?" He gives a slight nod to both of them.

I snap at him "You're the one who's pretending, you asshole!"

3:03 PM

"You're the worst! The worst kind of person. Worse then Maoziwam, or Johnner, or the Edlightment, or anything else!"

"I know." Howard doesn't visibly react. "They're waiting." Kingsley. "Right. So what's your choice, kid?" Howard.

"Shit, right now?"

3:09 PM

I sit still for a second, before getting up

3:09 PM

"I'm bad at improv. I was hoping to write a speech."

"Now or never." Howard.

A little over a week ago, I would have been terrified to do this. Stage fright, yknow. Every stupid dork kid like me's biggest fear was public speaking. This is so much bigger then something in front of class, though. If you told me then that I'd be giving a speech to news reporters after spending a week as a superhero, I wouldn't have believed you A little over a week ago, I would have been terrified. But a little over a week ago, I met the most important person in my life. I lost him this morning. So I guess I'm over it.

3:13 PM

"Lets go."

Howard and Kingsley lead Shawn out of the room into a room full of reporters. At the back, in a holding cell, is Harriet Kadin. "I give you... Shawn Duveldt."

((Channel split?))

((Saturday))

((No session this week))

((Saturday))

Shawn and Lillian are led down to a prison transport truck.

Shawn is dejected

They’re loaded into the back of the truck. A guard sits with them.

Shawn felt like a leftover piece of trash on the shores of a beach, being gently pulled and pushed by the waves. There was no reason for him to care about anything anymore. Kite is dead, the whole reason he started heroing in the first place is gone. The minute that Kite died, any glory that was in what he did evaporated. All that was left is pain and regret and unfufilled promises

2:19 PM

Is this justice? Is what's about to happen to me deserving for what I've done? Or is this a contortion of justice, the selfish using the selfless as a scapegoat to get what they want? I don't know. (edited)

2:21 PM

The only thing I've ever wanted to do is help people. I wanted to feel useful, to someone. Especially someone I loved. But I suppose that I'm not deserving of that. Perhaps I ask too much of the world.

The truck starts to drive. Lillian smiles. "…You wanted to know about his old bro, right?"

"I did."

"He’s gone. That’s why he accepted you. You were a half-assed replacement."

"Who was he?"

"He was one of us. That’s why I killed him. But he hated Ray soooo much… That’s why he told FB to make sure we never told him the truth. To make sure he was never happy." Lillian leans forward, as if inviting him to hit her.

Shawn stares straight ahead, his face stoic yet despondent "You sure he wasn't saving Kite from your cult?"

"In what world is abandoning someone saving them?"

"In what world is killing someone saving them?"

"The real one!"

"Why'd you kill him if he was so helpful to your cause of making children miserable?"

"We only keep people around for as long as they want to be here. He wanted to end on a high note, instead of forever babysitting that awful brat. We’re all so happy to know he’s died miserable now."

"..."

2:45 PM

"I don't believe your stupid religion. It's the worst type of suicide cult nonsense. But I was there when Kite died. He had just defeated his greatest adversary yet, and was on top of the world. He died with a greater high then you'll ever get."

“Is that all you have left? Obvious lies? You don’t even have the strength to hit me? No wonder you stuck by such a horrible brat for so long."

"I've got nothing to prove to you. You're just confirming to me things that I already thought."

2:50 PM

"That you and your whole organization are just a bunch of petty assholes who have nothing better to do then destroy the lives of children and pat themselves on the back for it."

"Look who’s talking." Gunshot.

Shawn is startled

The truck pulls to a stop. "Sounds like he did come for me." Lillian. (edited)

he tries to cover his ears but his hands are still cuffed (edited)

2:52 PM

"What was his name? Kite's bro?"

Lillian smirked instead of an answer. "I’ll go check it out. You watch the prisoners." The cop in front said this before audibly running away.

I guess this might be where I die. Theyll open the door and free Lillian, and shoot me.

2:56 PM

Can't have loose ends.

2:56 PM

I'm so tired of this constant movement.

Another gunshot rings out.

"Why do that to Kite? What did he do to you?"

3:00 PM

"And who the hell is FB?"

The guard nervously opens the door to check outside. The second the door was unlocked, Lillian pounced onto the guard and wrapped the handcuffs around his throat, pulling as hard as she could.

"Hey! Get off of him!"

3:03 PM

Shawn steps towards them, but is apprehensive. There's someone shooting people around here, and Shawn doesn't want to get shot.

The guard tries to reach for his gun, until his neck makes a crack noise. His arm goes limp.

Shawn goes quiet

She grabs the keys and gun, before kicking the body towards Shawn. "That could’ve been you so many times over."

"..."

She unlocked her handcuffs and stepped out of the truck. "Oh, and just so you know… I made all of that up to mess with you. It’s not exactly surprising that someone like you is so gullible."

Shawn remains silent, his face still dejected.

"I win. Remember that."

"If you're so happy right now, why not just kill yourself?"

She narrows her eyes. "I don’t remember saying anything like that." She shut the door, as another gunshot rang out. This time, Shawn was able to tell that the gunshots were a long ways away. No one had actually come for Lillian.

She convinced herself someone was coming for her so hard that she ended up escaping on her own. It's kind of hilarious, actually

3:14 PM

The power of belief, I suppose

"I’ll leave you with some truth, though." Lillian spoke mockingly as she locked the door from the outside. "That man’s name you keep wanting to know."

"Yeah?"

Shawn heard the sound of keys falling. "Josh Maoziwam." And then she could be heard walking away.

...

3:20 PM

Josh Maoziwam? The guy who... The one in the car crash? The son of the mob boss? Lelouch's brother??? Is that why.... he hated her so much? That's almost... that's so... Shawn goes silent. He is unsure what to say or what to think, nor does he know what this means for Kite, or for him, or for Maoziwam.

3:21 PM

He has nothing to say to Lillian. He's been left here, abandoned, all to dwell on the lives of dead men.

The outside was silent for a while, until light footsteps approached the truck and the keys outside were moved.

"Hello?"

The footsteps moved to the front and began to drive away.

"Hello? Who is this? Who are you?"

No response. The truck just kept moving, long past what it should take to get to the prison.

Shit. I'm being kidnapped

3:24 PM

I guess it comes full circle.

((Roll))

((17))

3:27 PM

((Wtf is happening))

It’s faint, but Shawn makes out the sounds of crying from the front.

"Hey, are... Are you okay?"

No response.

What the hell is going on?!?

3:32 PM

Shawn tries to look out the windows to see if he can tell where they are

There are no windows.

Damnit

3:35 PM

"What's going on? Who are you?"

The truck just keeps driving for hours.

((Hours!??!))

The crying person, whoever they were, wasn't going to respond. That much was certain. Who was it? Maybe it was Lillian, who realized that no one had come for her and decided to take Shawn far away so she could torture him. Maybe it was the mafia, coming to keep him quiet about Shuichi Maoziwam. Lelouch and her cronies, maybe? Or it could be Maria Stanley, coming after him for not saving her. Shawn didn't really know. There are a lot of people after him. I suppose I've made myself a lot of enemies

Shawn leans his head against the wall of the truck. Before he lived in Avengard, he lived in the midwest, right near Toledo, Ohio. But in the summers, he and his parents would go on vacations to areas along Lake Michigan, to the east. The drives to those beach houses were long and boring, and after a few years, Shawn learned to occupy himself by pressing his head against the side window and feeling the vibrations of the car as it drove down the road. This moment reminded Shawn of that

4:03 PM

It made Shawn think of his parents. He wonders how they're doing. If they've heard the news about what happened, about what he's done, about where he is. My parents never really made time for me. I got what I needed to get by everyday but... I guess they never cared about doing more then that. It feels weird to know that they know the things I've kept from them. Because on one hand, I'm desperate to hide it again, to go back and keep them out of the loop forever, to not judge me as insane. On the other hand, imagining the look of shock and horror on their face as they read their sunday newspapers almost makes me happy. It's as if I'm telling them "Look at me! You didn't see me before, but you can't look away now! You did this! This was the only way I could have gotten your attention, and now I have it!"

4:07 PM

Then again, they didn't do this. I did this, didn't I? Our states are determined by the sum of our actions and nothing more. I'm sitting here, miserable and alone, because I didn't do anything to prevent myself from getting here.

4:09 PM

That's what I want to believe, anyway. I'm fighting the Edlightment, with their whole universe-is-unfair-nihilistic-death-cult schtic. So natrually, I must adopt the opposite philosophy. Life is whatever you make it.

4:10 PM

But the sad, sad flaw within this philosophy is that we're all idiots. None of us know what makes us happy, and none of us know what the best choice is to make. What right do I have to judge others for their bad choices, when I am just as stupid as them?

4:11 PM

I guess that's what makes the world unfair. None of us can know what the right choice was until it's too late for us.

4:12 PM

Doesn't make me any less blameless, though. Just because I'm a moron doesn't mean I'm not responsible for my actions. I've done so much terrible shit. People are dead because of my inaction, and my action. Can I really say I've made a positive impact on the world?

4:15 PM

Kite was happy. Lillian said that she and her goons tried their best to make him as unhappy as possible, but they failed. I think I made Kite happy.

4:16 PM

I'm content with that, in a way. That even though I am a failure and I couldn't do anything for anyone, there was one person who I did truly make happy, at least for a second.

4:16 PM

But he's gone.

4:16 PM

God, he's gone. He's gone and he's not coming back.

4:18 PM

I keep expecting him to be with me. Whenever Lillian says something stupid I keep expecting him to butt in and say something weird and cutting that totally throws her off her game.

4:22 PM

I've never lost anyone before. I don't know how to handle it. But I assume that it doesn't become easier. To love someone, to truly truly love someone, is to make them part of your heart. They live inside of you, a constant part of your life that you eventually find impossible to live without. So, in that sense, when someone dies, that part of you dies as well. That's what grief is. It's the ever-present reminder of the part of ourselves that's gone, the person who we were and will never be again.

4:22 PM

When Kite died, Shawn Duveldt died too. But I don't know who I am if I'm not him.

4:26 PM

How does one live with this emptiness? Death might be preferable to this aloneness. I know I've thought a lot about that. But... people do continue to exist. I guess they find some reason to. Howard has his justice. Lelouch has her ideals. Kite had his fantasy.

4:28 PM

I don't have anything, though. In a way, all of this happened just because I wanted to change myself, to become a happier person. I wanted something to strive for. And now, look where I am. So, would finding something new to strive for even be worth it?

4:32 PM

Well, what did I strive for before? I said I did what I did for justice, and maybe I believed it, but that feels like a lie now. It just kinda feels like attention-seeking now. I was desperate to feel useful, to feel like I meant something to anyone.

4:33 PM

I just wanted someone to look at me and tell me that I was doing good.

4:38 PM

That I wasn't some interchangeable nobody who meant nothing to anyone. That I was capable of doing something worthy of other's attention and care.

4:40 PM

That sounds pathetic, admitting it outloud. I guess I am just pathetic.

4:40 PM

I guess that's why it was doomed to end in failure.

4:44 PM

I think I must have realized it, at some point. I don't know when, but I had to start convincing myself that what I was doing was for justice. I didn't doubt that what I was doing was justice at first. Maybe because at first, I never doubted Kite. He was just... perfect, I don't know.

4:45 PM

He was a beligerent asshole who never knew what to say when but at the same time I didn't doubt that following him was the right decision for a second. It wasn't until I started to that I needed to justify myself

4:49 PM

I guess Howard was right. Between the two of us, I might have been the better superhero. But that's the thing. Kite always had drive and commitment and a goal he wanted to achieve. He wasn't a perfect hero, but if you were a perfect hero, you wouldn't want to be a hero. Kite wasn't perfect, but he was the only one who could have been who he was. I guess I'm proud of him for that. And in some sense, I don't regret following him.

4:49 PM

I just wish it didn't have to be this way. Why did it end up like this? Why did it have to end up like this?

4:51 PM

Kite did everything he could, and he still died. Why? Why? Kite wasn't perfect, but he was doing his best! He didn't deserve to die like that, as a pawn in someone elses scheme, without even a body to bury. I shouldn't be the only one who mourns him.

4:54 PM

I wish I got to tell him that I loved him. Not just as his bro, but real, from-the-heart love. I just adored him in every single way. I can see him now for what he was, a callous idiot with a lot to prove and an ego the size of the city, and yet I can't escape feeling like I would do anything to see him again, just one more time. Just one more time.

4:59 PM

Shawn turns to the corpse lying on the floor. He props it up on the seat and lets the man sit. Another victim of Shawn's inaction. This man; Shawn checks his nametag, he is named Bobby Hammond, he had a family. Probably, somewhere out there. Shawn wonders how they'll react to the news of their close one being gone. Maybe theyll feel the same as Shawn feels about Kite

5:02 PM

But... Shawn isn't a hero, as much as he pretends to be, and maybe even how good he is at it. Even the best superheros have to go home at the end of the day and be people. Shawn didn't kill this man, Lillian did, and she's insane, and she'll be stopped.

5:04 PM

We're all people, and we're all suffering. I wish it was easier to make it hurt less. I wish I could be like those superheros, at the top of the skyscrapers, who always know that no matter how bad things get, good will triumph over evil, the bad guys will be defeated, and things will go back to being good and normal and perfect.

5:05 PM

But the world those superheros defend isn't perfect, either. There are countless problems in it. People are suffering, and theyll always be suffering, no matter how hard the heros try. (edited)

5:08 PM

Kite may have been an idiot and an asshole, but Shawn can't blame him for trying his best to make himself happier. He can't help but see the nobility in that. Same with Howard, or Lillian, or maybe even Lelouch. Despite that, I can't get over the massive pit in my stomach that makes me feel responsible for all of this. I should've done better

5:10 PM

I guess it all kinda goes back to the moralisms. Everyone is suffering always, but you are the sum of your own actions, and you're judged on the basis of that. We all suffered and we tried to make the best of it, but in the end, if someone wants to see me or Kite as a villain, I'd understand. I might even agree with them.

5:11 PM

So I suppose this is my punishment for it. Being dragged to who knows where by who knows who. I guess I'm ready to face judgement.

5:13 PM

Whoever comes to judge me, I hope that they know wrong from right better then I do.

5:14 PM

The final palace of Masquerade V is a courtroom. I wonder if itll be like that....

5:14 PM

...

5:15 PM

As Shawn thinks about Masquerade V, the final boss and his abandoned second playthrough, he slowly drifts to sleep

((End chapter))

((No session this week))

Shawn wakes up in the truck. It’s stopped moving.

1:19 PM

He has everything included on his character sheet. For some reason, he feels quite distinctly that today is October 31st, regardless of the reality of the date outside this dream. (edited)

Wasn't it like september yesterday...

1:19 PM

Shawn looks around

((The date is AMBIGUOUS he just thinks it’s Halloween now))

Shawn slams his warhammer against the door

It breaks open. The truck is still next to the police station for some reason. There’s no one around.

"Weird"

1:28 PM

Shawn goes into the police station

1:33 PM

Using the items within his inventory, Shawn performs the spell "Augury" (edited)

((Augury?))

1:41 PM

Woe.

That's not good.

1:41 PM

Shawn continues through the police station, cautious of danger

((Roll investigation))

((19))

Shawn comes across Mats Rumen's corpse, walking towards him.

"M-Mats?"

"I’m

." He approaches threateningly.

"I don't want to fight you again."

He continues approaching.

"Stay back." Shawn readies his warhammer

((Roll intimidation))

((15))

He backs up slightly.

"I... I don't want to kill you again."

"Then die."

"Kite's gone. No one else will remember him if I die."

"I’m

."

"What?"

"That’s who I am."

"No, I- I know that. Why are you here? What's going on?"

"It’s the apocalypse."

Shawn aims his warhammer at Mats "Stop talking nonsense."

"I’m

"

"Stop saying that!!"

"But it’s true."

"I'm... I'm sorry, Mats, okay? I didn't want to... I shouldn't have killed you. I shouldn't have let you die"

2:04 PM

"I... I want to make it better. But I know that nothing can. I know my crimes are unforgivable."

2:08 PM

"I don't know how to live with myself"

"I’m

"

Shawn walks away

Mats follows slowly.

"Leave me alone!"

He continues to follow Shawn.

"What do you want from me!?" (edited)

2:13 PM

"What can I do to appease you!?"

"Shawn Duveldt."

"What? Stop talking nonsense!!!"

"I’m going to kill you."

Shawn aims his warhammer at the ground, and fires the spell Chromatic Orb (Lightning Damage) from the tip of it into the ground (edited)

2:17 PM

"Stop. Leave me alone."

((Wait you’re not aiming it at him?))

((No))

2:19 PM

((im aiming at the ground))

((Wow okay))

2:20 PM

He keeps going.

“I don’t want to kill you again, Mats! I don’t want to! Please don’t make me!“ (edited)

"I’m

"

Shawn starts running away

"Kill Dana Craig."

"What?"

2:27 PM

"Who the fuck is Dana Craig?"

"If Dana Craig dies, the Craig of our afterlives will end. Then we won’t have to kill each other." (edited)

"..."

2:33 PM

"Okay. Where is she."

"I’m

"

"Stop it!"

"I don’t know where she is."

Shawn heads to the security room of the police station, where he spent his time during the Craig of our Lives

Mats follows.

Shawn reaches the room and slams open the door with his warhammer out of frustration

It looks the same as usual, outside of the lack of anyone else.

Shawn uses the computer to search the security cameras

The computer requires a password.

“Mats, do you know the password?”

"I’m

"

Shawn enters that into the terminal

It doesn’t work.

Damnit

2:51 PM

"What do you think we should do, Mats?"

"I’m

"

"Hm..."

2:52 PM

Shawn enters "GusAmon" into the terminal

It doesn’t work.

"Okay, well. I give up."

There’s a noise downstairs.

"Cmon, Mats. Let's go there."

"I’m

" He follows.

Shawn heads towards the noise, reading his shield and warhammer

It’s Dana Craig and a horse.

"Are you Dana Craig!?"

Shawn and Mats go to the mall

Mats hits Shawn as he attempts to lift him up. ((3 damage))

Shawn puts Mats down

4:41 PM

"Ow"

"I’m

"

Shawn uses his RESERVE HEALTH POOL to heal himself back to full

4:42 PM

"Cmon, Mats. Let's go find Kite."

Mats hits him again.

"Hey. Cut it out."

4:43 PM

"I'm not fighting you, remember?"

"You didn’t kill Dana Craig"

"Listen, man. Killing Dana Craig is going to end this Craig of our Afterlives."

4:46 PM

"That means that kiling her would mean Kite is going to stay dead. I'm not killing her until I see him."

4:46 PM

"Besides, Dana seems to have a pretty good handle on the situation. She's going to hit Johnner with a horse"

4:46 PM

"This is the fucking weirdest dream I've ever had."

He hits Shawn again. ((4 more damage))

"Stop!"

4:48 PM

"Ugh."

"No."

Shawn starts walking towards the mall

4:49 PM

"We'll get Dana later, okay!"

Mats slowly goes after him.

Shawn starts walking towards the mall

The mall is surrounded by various undead monsters.

Shawn pulls out his warhammer

4:54 PM

He walks towards the creatures

They run towards him.

Shawn casts the spell Moonbeam

They run through it.

((they take 3d10 radiant damage))

((I know))

Shawn readies his warhammer and prepares to strike the first one to attack

((Roll initiative))

((9))

The first guy arrives and hits Shawn with an even bigger hammer and sends him flying through the air. ((15 damage))

"Shit!"

5:11 PM

((is it still their turn))

The others can’t reach him anymore so it goes right to Shawn’s turn.

Shawn fires a level 2 Chromatic Orb from his warhammer

5:14 PM

((22 to hit))

They’re out of range.

((How???)) (edited)

5:16 PM

((it has a 90 ft radius)) (edited)

((You are currently flying through the air))

((you should specifiy that he knocked him through the air to the point where he did not land after 6 seconds and also he is fucking. got knocked so far that he is outside of a 90 foot radius))

5:18 PM

((that is like obscenely far))

((Spider-Man 2 Sandman clip))

Okay so Shawn instead uses his turn to do nothing because he is fucking flying through the air because he was hit by the attack with the most knockback in the universe

5:20 PM

((he DIDNT even roll to hit i have an 18 ac))

((Yes he did))

5:22 PM

Shawn crashes through the window of a building. ((40 damage)) A skeleton approaches him from further inside the room.

"Ow.. Shit, fuck. Oh god. What the hell was that?"

"Hey, bro." The skeleton.

"Kite!?"

"Yup, that’s me." He swings a club made of bone at Shawn.

"Shit!" Shawn attempts to block it with his shield

5:28 PM

"Kite, why are you... I've been looking everywhere for you, bro!"

"Well, I’m a skeleton now."

"I... I know."

5:29 PM

"Why are you attacking me?!" (edited)

"Cause I’m supposed to!"

"Says who?"

"Jeff Johnner!"

"Why are you listening to him? He's an asshole!"

"Because I’ve gotta! It’s the Craig of our afterlives!"

"No, cmon man. Can we talk first?"

"About what?"

"I don't know like... I just have a lot of stuff I need to talk to you about. That I didn't get to say before you died."

"Too bad! I’m evil now!"

"Stop! You're not evil! You'd never be evil!"

"I'm

"

Shawn's face has a look of horror

5:36 PM

"Kite, cut it out! Please! I need to talk to you!"

"Nah."

"W-why not!?"

5:50 PM

"You can't seriously put the orders of fucking Jeff Johnner above me?!" (edited)

"I’ve gotta, bro!"

"No you don't!"

"Yeah, I do!"

"I'm not going to fight you, Kite. We're... I'm your best friend! I love you!"

"You do?"

“Yes!!!”

6:03 PM

“So so so much”

6:03 PM

“More then anything in the world, Kite”

6:04 PM

“That’s… I didn’t get to say that to you! Before you died! I’m completely in love with you!”

6:04 PM

“I don’t know how I’m supposed to keep living without you! I don’t know what to do with myself!”

"I’m a skeleton."

“I don’t care!”

6:07 PM

“You’re here with me, okay. I don’t… I don’t want to say goodbye again. I can’t.”

6:07 PM

“I can’t just go back to the world without you, Kite! What am I supposed to do!”

6:08 PM

“And now you’re here in front of me and you can’t…. You can’t recognize me! You’re not…. Kite, please, just…. Please. Please. Please”

6:09 PM

“I just want to be here for you. I just…. I’m so fucking alone, man. I don’t know what to do.”

6:09 PM

“Please help me.”

"Bro, this is… Kind of a weird place for a love confession."

“Is that all you have to say?”

6:18 PM

“Kite, you… before you left, you promised me that you’d come back.”

6:19 PM

“I trusted you to your word… so I didn’t think to say goodbye.”

"And I’m right here, aren’t I?"

“You’re a skeleton!”

6:32 PM

“I mean… I don’t know. This is like a weird dream world.”

6:32 PM

“You can’t come back to the real world with me, can you?”

"If this isn’t real… why are you even talking, bro?"

“What do you mean?

"What’s the point?"

"The point?"

6:38 PM

"I don't know. Things not being real doesn't make them pointless."

6:38 PM

"Real or not, I feel this way. And I need to express those feelings."

"Sounds kinda lame, bro."

"What's that supposed to mean?" (edited)

"Being gay."

"You're gay!"

"Nuh-uh!"

"Fuck you mean nuh-uh!?" (edited)

"You’re gay!"

"You are too!"

"Am not!"

"Yes you are!!!!"

6:50 PM

"Have you ever in your life been attracted to a single woman?"

6:50 PM

"Name literally one."

"Maria Stanley."

"That's-She's not-You're"

6:51 PM

"You were forcing yourself. It's comphet!"

"Proof?"

"You came crying back to me like a few hours later!"

"Nuh-uh! You were crying to me!"

"I was crying too!!"

6:55 PM

"Because I'm in love with you!"

6:56 PM

"Oh god, it really is you. You're not just an illusion you're like. You're actually Kite, aren't you?"

"I’m

"

"Ugh...."

6:58 PM

"You saved my life, you know."

6:59 PM

"I wanted to go with you to the mall. You took my suit. Howard Scott planted a bomb in the suit. If I went in my suit, both of us would probably be dead." (edited)

"Just stop it! …Wait, fuck."

"What?"

"Dana Craig broke into the mall already. I stalled you for nothing…" He jumps out of the window.

"Stalled me!?"

7:21 PM

"What the fuck?!?"

7:21 PM

Shawn looks out the window where Kite went

Kite is running towards the crater.

"Shit!"

7:40 PM

Shawn heads down the stairs and towards the mall where Kite is

7:45 PM

Shawn heads to the mall

The undead monsters who stopped Shawn earlier are still there. They stop Kite as well. "Hey… What the hell! Let me through!"

"Kite! Wait up!"

"We’re enemies, bro!"

"We're not enemies!"

7:47 PM

"We don't have to be!"

"Yeah, we do!" Kite. "I’m Mats

" He finally caught up.

"See, I even made friends with Mats here. We don't have to be enemies, Kite!"

Kite hits Mats with the bone.

"Hey!!!!"

7:48 PM

"What the hell, man!"

Mats, falls over, very injured. "Shawn…"

"No no no no no..."

7:51 PM

Shawn uses his RESERVE HEALTH POOL to give Mats 10 points of Health (edited)

This hurts more because that’s how zombies work. "Shawn… Listen to me."

"Shit!"

7:52 PM

"No... shit... fuck..."

7:52 PM

"Mats... I'm so sorry."

"I’m…

” (edited)

7:54 PM

"Do you understand?"

"Mats...."

8:06 PM

"I'm sorry, Mats. I'm so sorry."

8:06 PM

"I don't know what you mean, Mats. What do you mean?"

"That’s who I am. Every minute we spend as a zombie, we forget who we are. That’s why… That’s why I’m Mats

. So I never forget." Mats

dies.

8:08 PM

Again.

"Mats...."

8:09 PM

Shawn rests Mats's body on the ground and turns to Kite

"What?"

Shawn walks towards Kite

8:12 PM

"Why did you kill him..."

"Because you said he was on your side, bro. Obviously."

"You're on my side!"

"Nuh-uh!"

"What the fuck, man?! Why are you so... Why don't you care about me at all!"

"I’m a skeleton! I have no heart!"

"I am going to go to Jeff Johnner and make him fix you."

8:24 PM

Shawn starts walking towards the mall

The head of the biggest monster explodes.

"Thats a good sign."

8:26 PM

Shawn continues walking towards the mall crater

8:26 PM

"I love you, Kite!"

A floating sniper rifle approaches them. "Shawn Duveldt, right?"

"Hi?"

8:28 PM

"Who are you?"

"I’m

"

“Oh. Howards boyfriend, right?”

8:32 PM

“What do you want?”

"What?"

“Howard Scott. The asshole.”

"He’s not my boyfriend."

“Oh. Well he was in love with you”

"What?"

“Yeah”

8:46 PM

“Can you help me get to Johnner”

“Hello?”

"I’ll get back to you later." He runs away suddenly, alarmed.

“Okay..?”

8:58 PM

Shawn keeps going towards the crater

Kite follows. Dana and Ariel are both inside the crater. Johnner has been crushed by a horse.

Shawn heads down to the crater

((No session this week))

((Saturday))

Shawn wakes up in the truck. It’s stopped moving.

Shawn puts his hand to his forehead, his head aching in pain

2:16 PM

He’s uncertain if his headache is from the weird position in which he slept, or the extremely weird dream he had

2:17 PM

Something about a horse…?

2:17 PM

It involved Kite. Shawn misses Kite.

Shawn continues to be alone.

Shawn gets up.

2:29 PM

He’s starving. He just realized that. He can’t remember the last time he ate anytbing

2:29 PM

He thinks back to the French toast that he made way back when.

2:29 PM

Focus

2:30 PM

Shawn gets up.

2:30 PM

He listens if there’s anything around him

2:31 PM

He tries to open the door

It's locked, but the door itself seems weak.

“Hmph.”

4:41 PM

“Maybe it broke when Lillian slammed it?”

4:42 PM

If Shawn had known earlier, would he have escaped? Maybe

4:42 PM

Then again, if he escaped, where would he go? It might honestly be better to go wherever this person took him. At least then, he’d be somewhere else

4:43 PM

Shawn kicks the door open

((Roll))

((6))

His kicks aren’t strong enough.

Damn it

4:46 PM

Shawn goes for a full body tackle

((Roll))

((9))

Still not enough.

Goddamn it.

4:48 PM

Shawns body aches. He misses his suit. It might be immune to the third law of Newtonian physics, but he sure isn’t.

4:48 PM

Goddamn it. He misses Kite.

4:48 PM

Shawn slams his body against the door, again.

((Roll))

((1))

Shawn hits his head against the door.

“Fuck!!! Ow!!! Shit!”

5:00 PM

Shawns headache worsens

5:00 PM

He’s in a lot of pain. He reels over and huddles in the corner, holding his head. This isn’t going well. God, this isn’t going well at all.

5:01 PM

Shawn laughs. He thought about trying to get the door open when the car was moving. He can’t even get it open now when he’s totally alone

5:01 PM

God, this sucks. This is awful

5:04 PM

Shawn gets up, after a few minutes. He tries again to kick the door, although he is very deenergized

((Roll))

((19))

Shawn finally manages to bust open the door.

That kick was weaker then his full body slam, but it was aimed at a specific point.

5:08 PM

If there’s something more to that, Shawn isn’t getting it right now. He exists the van and tries to see where he is (edited)

Shawn finds himself in what is essentially the middle of nowhere. The only thing around aside from the truck is an old looking cabin.

“…Huh.”

5:11 PM

Shawn didn’t think there were places like this in the east coast. Everything he remembers is all city and suburb for a million miles.

5:11 PM

How far out did the driver go?

5:11 PM

Whoever they are, they’re probably in the house.

5:12 PM

Shawn walks towards it, cautious. He knows that whoever’s in there probably doesn’t expect company

The sound of TV is playing inside.

…

5:18 PM

Shawn approaches the door.

5:19 PM

Do they even get reception out here? I don’t see a satellite dish

5:19 PM

What does the TV sound like?

It’s playing the news.

…

5:22 PM

Shawn knocks on the door

No response.

Shawn waits a second, and knocks again.

No response.

Shawn checks for a doorbell

There’s no doorbell.

“Hello…?”

No response.

Goddamn it. Shawn tries to open the door

5:24 PM

He’s really afraid. What the hell has he gotten himself into.

It opens. The lock is already broken.

Oh shit.

5:25 PM

Shawn enters very carefully. If someone broke into this place, they might still be here

Maria Stanley is sitting on a couch on the other side of the room. She’s staring blankly at the TV nearby Shawn. When she notices him, she starts to slowly raise a gun towards him with trembling hands.

Shawn raises his hands to the sky. He doesn’t move an inch.

5:33 PM

“Maria…?”

She doesn’t respond.

“I… I’m sorry. I didn’t want to… I… I’m not going to do anything. I’m not going to do anything.”

She keeps aiming the gun, terrified.

“You were… you drove the police truck, right? I was… I was in the back. I didn’t mean to… to come with. I’m sorry. I don’t… I don’t want to intrude. I just…. I have nowhere to go right now.”

6:43 PM

“Oh god, I’m so sorry, Maria.”

She doesn't respond, but the news seems to. "Last night, the quiet town of Shelk was hit with a disturbing spree killing in the home of recently-returned King Burger CEO Ouroboros Stanley."

“…I-I…oh god. That’s…. That’s horrible…”

6:53 PM

“I’m… I’m sorry…” words are failing him

"Ouroboros Stanley's wife and 2 sons were killed. Police have apprehended Mr. Ouroboros Stanley himself as the culprit. Neither of his daughters were available for comment."

“Ouroboros wouldn’t…. What happened last night?”

"..."

6:56 PM

The news footage shows several disturbing images of the scene after flashing up images of Maria

.

“…” Shawn is disturbed by the images, and has a hard time tearing his eyes away, but tries to focus on keeping his hands up

Maria holds up a remote with her free hand, and rewinds the news broadcast back to right before it started.

Has she just been rewatching that segment?

7:00 PM

agh

7:00 PM

“I… I’m not going to hurt you. I promise. I swear on my life.”

She doesn't respond, continuing to stare at the TV.

“Is it… can I come inside? And close the door? I just…. I need somewhere to go.”

She keeps the gun aimed at Shawn.

Shawn doesn’t move

7:04 PM

“…”

"..."

“…”

7:07 PM

Shawn shuts his eyes and puts his head down

She continues to be shut down. She won't make the first move or anything like it.

“I’m… I’m going to step inside. If that’s okay.”

"..."

“Please don’t…. Please, I…. I’m sorry.”

"..."

“If you don’t want me too, just… say anything, I don’t know. I’m sorry. I don’t want to… I just… I don’t know what else to do, okay.”

"..."

Shawn takes a really small step inside

"..."

“Can you… put the gun down please. I… I’m not going to do anything. I swear on my life. I swear on everything I have. I just… I just…” (edited)

She continues watching the TV.

I step out of the way of the aim of the gun and scan the house

She keeps the gun aimed at him. There's a bedroom past the couch Maria is on. Also in the room is a table and some other old looking furniture.

Is any of the furniture looking at the TV as well?

7:29 PM

Like an armchair or something

Just the couch.

Shawn moves towards an area closer to the TV, and stares at it (edited)

She's just making it repeat the same broadcast over and over.

“I’m sorry about what happened.”

"..."

“…”

7:41 PM

Shawn moves to stand in between her and the TV, hands still up

7:41 PM

“Can we… can we please talk…”

As Shawn blocks the TV, her expression contorts. She looks as though she's seen them die all over again. "..."

“…”

7:48 PM

“I met your dad once. He made me promise that I’d keep you safe. I… I couldn’t hold to it. Not as much as I wanted to. But I promised him that I would. And… I’m not going to go back on it.”

She looks as though she wants to cry, but she can't manage it. "..."

“It’s been an awful week. The worst week of all time. Nothing… nothing can compare.”

7:51 PM

Shawn moves away from the tv and to the couch next to her

She thrusts the gun at him threateningly as he takes a step closer to him.

Shawn steps back

"..."

“Can we… can we talk. Please.”

She shakes her head slowly, ashamed.

“What… what happened?”

"..."

“Why… what is… what’s going on…”

8:03 PM

“…”

"..."

Shawn steps forward again

She keeps the gun aimed at him.

He moves towards the couch again

She keeps the gun aimed on him as he arrives at the couch.

Shawn sits down on the couch

"..."

“…”

"..."

“…”

"..." She slowly lowers the gun.

“…”

"..."

“…”

"..." She turns back to the TV.

Shawns hands are on his lap

8:56 PM

He looks at her

8:57 PM

“Maria…”

8:57 PM

“I’m….”

8:57 PM

“I’m so sorry. About everything.”

She looks at him and tilts her head, confused.

“I should’ve… I don’t know, I should’ve been there for you. It isn’t right that you got caught up in all this. It’s…. It’s so unfair. To you, to your family, to… I don’t know, just…”

9:03 PM

“I don’t know what drove you to come all the way out here. I don’t know what happened last night. But I do know that…. That it’s something stupid and dumb and awful and…. God. Why do things have to be this way? Why do…. Why does everything always go to shit?”

9:03 PM

Shawns hands are gripping his pants

9:05 PM

“I’m the biggest fucking asshole in the world. And you got caught up in the worlds biggest vortex of ego. And… I’m just…. I’m sorry, Maria.”

Pretending she bears no relevance to any of it, she pats Shawn half-heartedly on the back. It doesn't convince anyone.

“…”

9:08 PM

“What happened last night?”

She points to the TV.

“Why can’t you talk?”

9:10 PM

“Is this a thing from… the spray bottle thing?”

"..." She doesn't seem to know either. Or at the very least, she doesn't want to know.

“…”

9:13 PM

He looks towards the tv “Did you… see that happen?”

She nods slowly.

“Did your dad do it?”

9:16 PM

“You… you don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to.”

"..." She seems to want to ask something. Naturally, she can't.

“Do you think you can type it out?“ (edited)

9:18 PM

“My phone still has battery.”

She doesn't use words to respond, but her expression manages to give the impression of 'Is it safe?'.

Shawn scans the room around them

Evidently, there's no one. She points at him.

"I won't tell anyone. I promise."

She scans him carefully. She then points at herself, questioningly.

"Did you... kill them?"

She shakes her head repeatedly. She holds her hand out for the phone.

Shawn gives her the phone

She writes out 'Who am I ? To you'

"..." Who is she to me? Back when I was a hero, she was... I thought of being a hero as some kind of moral obligation. Those with power have to serve those who don't have it, it's just what you have to do. I thought that the abilities I had were something that made me unique and special, and it was because of that unique special-ness that I had to defend those who didn't have it, because they never got the chances I did. Back then, she was kinda the embodiment of that. Lelouch, the Edlightment... Kite... So many people put her through so much. She was someone who lacked what I had, and thus needed to be protected. A civilian But, that's the wrong outlook, isn't it? That's the one that got me here, and... well, it's the one that got Kite killed. My power gives me opportunity, but... They say that great power comes with great responsibiity, but what they don't say is that the great responsibility doesn't put you above anyone else. Our heros are human. They, too, don't always know what the right thing is. Heros in stories always do the right thing, but it's never that easy. In the end, the only real difference between a hero and a civilian is that one has power and one doesn't. So... "...I don't know you the best, Maria. I'm sorry for that. But... I want to be your friend."

((Saturday))

She shakes her head and writes out 'I don’t care'. Embarrassed, she deletes it and writes 'Who am I?'

Shawn is disheartened

12:10 PM

"You're.... You're Maria Stanley. You're someone who has had a lot of bad shit dealt to you. It's not fair."

'So I’m' It takes her a moment to continue typing. Her expression looks nervous and confused. 'the victim?'

"..."

12:16 PM

"I don't know. You've been... victimized, by all this shit."

'I don’t want to be'

"It shouldn't define you. It doesn't define you."

'Why not'

"People are more then just static summations of their pasts. We're complicated."

She shakes her head rapidly.

"...Do you think of yourself as just "the victim"? And nothing more?"

'I want to be the' She doesn’t finish this train of thought. She just stares at it.

"..."

12:26 PM

"Thinking in terms of what role you are is just going to make you unhappy. Or kill you, like it did for Kite."

'I’m nothing without that' She starts trembling a bit.

"..."

12:29 PM

"Me neither."

'Can you hug Maria Stanley'

Shawn immidietly hugs her

12:30 PM

Really tightly

She slowly starts to cry.

Shawn is crying too

Sound slowly starts to escape her mouth in the form of muffled sobs.

Shawn hugs her tighter

"…I’m sorry. I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry" She doesn’t stop repeating that.

"...It's okay, Maria. It's... It's going to be okay."

"What if… What if I don’t want it to be?"

"That's okay too."

12:35 PM

"Just..."

12:35 PM

"I'm here for you, okay?"

"I want… I want everyone to hurt. I’m supposed to help people… But I want to hurt them. Isn’t that cruel? The world… The world tortures me like that." (edited)

"You're not supposed to be anything. You're just Maria."

12:42 PM

Shawn hugs her tighter still

She looks up at him really closely and intensely. "I want… I wanted to shoot you. Just so you’d get hurt. Do- Do you hate me? Do you want to hurt me?"

"I don't want to hurt you."

12:48 PM

"I don't hate you."

"Then… Then do you love me?" It’s hard to read her face beyond desperation.

"I... I'm..." Shawn is overwhelmed and paralyzed. He's been so... so burnt. Kite still lives in the corners of his eyes and there's probably still latent Lelouch commands in his brain. He thought he knew what love was, and he feels totally lost now. But then again, Maria's in the same boat, isn't she? Burnt by the world. Desperate for anything to hold onto. He's here, now, and she's here for him. Isn't that all that matters? "Yeah, I... I do."

She looks at him and starts to laugh. She laughs loudly and maniacally, before slowly returning to her crying. "I don’t love you back." She giggles slightly through her tears.

Shawn doesn't say anything to that. He continues to hug her.

"Aren’t you… Aren’t you going to cry?"

"I already am."

"…" She hugs him back.

Shawn buries his face in her shoulder

She pays his shoulder slowly and comfortingly. "There… there."

Shawn doesn't say anything

"…" She lets go of him for a moment and reaches into her pocket.

Shawn takes his head out and looks at her

1:33 PM

"I'm really sorry."

She takes out the key ring silently.

Shawn notices

1:34 PM

"Ah... Can you..."

She just holds it out to him.

Shawn moves away from her slightly and reaches out to grab them

She holds onto it for a second but let’s them go. She doesn’t face him.

"...Why'd you..."

"…"

"I'm sorry. I'm..."

1:40 PM

Shawn feels really guilty. He doesn't know why

1:40 PM

"I don't want to let go..."

"You… Need me?"

"..."

"My name is… Maria Stanley. How can I help you?"

"..."

"…"

"I'm sorry."

"…?"

Shawn is having difficulty holding himself together. He tries to speak, but can't

"…" She takes a while to think it over. "You saved me. That’s- Thats what you want, right? That’s what you all want. S-So… Good job. You did it."

"I'm not a hero anymore."

"Then… Shouldn’t you go back?"

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"There's no point."

2:07 PM

"I'm better off here."

"There’s nothing here. …Like me."

"You're not nothing."

"…"

Shawn is crying again

2:19 PM

"Maria, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Am I a bad person?"

"…" She looks at him with a mixture of smug superiority and self-hatred. "You’re Shawn Duveldt."

Shawn looks away "What does that mean?"

"That’s who you’re supposed to be." There’s a knock at the door.

Shawn turns to the door

2:22 PM

"Huh?"

She looks at it as well.

"Who... who is that?"

"I don’t… I don’t know."

"Can you unlock my handcuffs. I'll go get it."

She takes the keys and unlocks them.

Shawn gives her a really nervous look, and then walks towards the door

Knock, knock

Hesitantly, Shawn opens the door.

Kite stands on the other side of the door with full armour and crowbar. He’s completely unharmed, including his eye and ear. "Hey, bro." He punches Shawn. ((Pause session, potentially end session depending on how slow everyone else is))

((Saturday))

Dana’s Corpse started a thread. 12/12/2023 12:38 PM

Shawn falls back from the force of the punch.

"Wh- Kite!????????!!!!!!!"

2:24 PM

This isn't... This can't be real.

2:25 PM

This can't be... This...

Maria hides behind the couch. "Ha, did you think a bomb could kill me? I’m indestructible, remember? Even from the most basic logic. Magic's cool like that." Kite swings the crowbar next to Shawn’s head.

I am struggling to stay coherent (edited)

2:29 PM

"Why are you... please don't... don't kill me..."

2:29 PM

"I'm sorry, Kite."

"Like you tried to kill me? Ugh!" He tosses the crowbar aside. "Why do you always act like this when it’s me?"

"I never tried to kill you!"

2:31 PM

"I wouldn't... I wouldn't ever do that!!"

"Stop lying!" Kite punches him again.

"I'm serious, man!"

2:36 PM

"Kite, the last thing Id ever want to do is hurt you!"

2:37 PM

Shawn sputters those words out, bruised and exausted

"Just fight me!" Kite tackles him.

Shawn tries to shove Kite away

((Roll))

((11)) (edited)

Shawn gets Kite off him. "There we go! Fight me more!"

Shawn gets up and collects himself

2:50 PM

He looks Kite in the eyes

Kite looks him back in the eyes. "Fight me, bro."

Shawn steps forward

Kite punches him.

Shawn stumbles back a bit, but maintains his footing

2:55 PM

He takes a deep breath, and runs at Kite

"You know why I chose you, bro!?" Kite braces for Shawn to hit him.

Shawn hugs Kite

2:58 PM

"I missed you, man."

"…Stop hugging me."

"I just...."

3:00 PM

"I just need to prove that you're real."

"I’m not. How could you forget? I died yesterday." He pointed to his fixed eye.

"I don't care what you are. As long as you're here with me"

"Ugh! I’m not with you!" He breaks the hug and pushes Shawn back.

Shawn stands straight and continues to look right at him

"I chose you… Because you looked stupid. Gullible. Like you’d listen to me. And you fell for it! Every step of the way… I made you." Kite. "Please… Stop fighting." Maria. "Shut up!" Kite.

"Did you really think that?"

3:24 PM

"You'd have been right if you did."

"Yeah, I thought that! I've just been using you this whole time! So come on, bro! Fight me! I've killed people, y'know? If you wanna be the hero, you've gotta fight the villain! That's tradition!"

"..."

"Aghhhh!" Kite punches him again. "I finally met with Carolyn, and I did nothing! You really think your bro would do that!? Fight me!"

"Kite...."

3:44 PM

"If you want to reinvent yourself, that's fine. But... I'm not a hero anymore either."

3:44 PM

"After all, I couldn't save you."

"But I made you a hero! How dare you throw that away!?"

"..."

3:51 PM

"I thought I was just stupid and gullible?!!"

"That too!"

"Why do you care if I'm throwing away being a hero if I'm undeserving of the title!" (edited)

"Because you're the only thing that's left of me, Beetle!"

"What the hell are you talking about!?" (edited)

3:56 PM

"You're right here! In front of me! I can see you!"

"I'm just Ray Elliott! Nobody! But you... You were chosen by Kite! You were Advent Guard! Don't throw that away! Fight me!" (edited)

"Well I'm a fuckin nobody too, man!"

4:04 PM

"You said it yourself! I always was!"

"And I fixed that! Don't ruin the one good thing I ever did!" He punches Shawn.

"What makes Kite's judgement so important anyway! He is literally you, and you said yourself that you only picked me because I'd listen to you!"

"Ughhhh!" He just keeps punching Shawn. "Fight me!"

Shawn keeps holding his ground

4:18 PM

He tries to dodge out of the way, and when Kite goes for bigger punches, shoves him to the side

((Roll))

((4))

Shawn is knocked to the ground instead. Kite gets on him and keeps punching him. "Fight back!"

Shawn pushes him off

((Roll))

((1))

Shawn definitely can't get out. "Fight me! Be the hero!"

"Aaaaaagh!" Shawn hits Kite in the face

Shawn only hurts his hand due to the suit. "Who do you wanna be? A hero, or a villain? 'Cause I’m not gonna let you be a nobody like me! So who’s it gonna be? You wanna be like Kite? Or do you wanna be like Howard Scott, Carolyn Blythe, Lelo- Lillian Kerloe. That’s your choice!" He keeps hitting Shawn. "Stop it…" Maria.

"I just want to be happy!!! Is that too much to ask!?!"

"Yeah! It is!" Kite.

"Why does it matter to you anyway!?!"

4:41 PM

"Why am I any more capible of making a choice then you!!!"

4:41 PM

"I'm just as much of a failure of a hero. No, I'm a thousand times worse!"

"You’ve gotta do it anyway! That’s what heroes do!"

"Then what about you!!"

4:42 PM

"Why do I have to be a hero when you can't!"

4:43 PM

"Why does the Advent Guard have to be dead!"

"It’s only dead if you don’t fight me!"

"If I fight you, that'll just cement you as some kinda bad guy! And then that wouldn't be the Advent Guard, that'd just be Beetle alone!"

4:45 PM

"And that would suck ass!!!!!! I'm a terrible superhero!"

"Then it’s just gotta work like anime! If you beat me, you can recruit me!" Kite says nervously. "You’ve just gotta make this choice!"

"..."

4:52 PM

Shawn lightly taps Kite in the eye of the suit

4:52 PM

"There. I fought you."

4:52 PM

"It's a critical hit. You're out of HP."

"I didn’t feel a thing. Hurt me!"

Shawn pulls the mask off of Kites face

((Roll))

((2))

Kite knocks back his hand, causing it to land on the crowbar. It’s within reach. "Try harder than that! Hurt me! That’s the choice you’ve gotta make!"

"..."

5:11 PM

"I don't know what thatll do to you..."

"I said hit me!"

"..."

5:17 PM

"Kite... I'm really scared."

5:17 PM

"I don't want to lose you again."

"Stop whining!"

"......"

5:23 PM

Shawn hits Kite with the crowbar, softly and reluctantly

The crowbar and armour hit each other. Both explode into tiny fragments, knocking Kite and Shawn apart.

I look at the fragments. Then, I look at Kite (edited)

Kite looks at Shawn. "You… You broke it."

I look back at the fragments

5:27 PM

"....hahhahaha...hahahahahahahahahahhaahahhah!!!!!!!!!!!"

5:27 PM

I laugh so much I start to cry

"You destroyed the only thing we ever had…"

"I didn't!!!"

5:29 PM

"Don't you get it man!!! We're free!!!"

"Free from what?" Kite stands up and grabs Shawn by the shirt collar.

"That suit... that crowbar... They trapped us. We could only be villains or heros. As long as we had those, as long as we kept fighting, we would always be trapped in those roles."

5:31 PM

"But... We can be whatever we want now!"

"That wasn’t the choice! You were supposed to become a hero and kill me! Why couldn’t you just do that!?"

"Because you're not a villain.... And I'm not a hero..."

5:36 PM

I'm choking up a bit

5:36 PM

"I just... made that more obvious."

"…Then what was the point of the last week?"

Shawn stands firm on the ground, puts his hands on the back of Kites neck, and kisses him on the lips (edited)

Kite kisses him back.

1

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Kite eventually breaks the kiss. "…Huh? You weren’t supposed to do that."

"I've been wanting to since forever."

"That wasn’t the choice you were supposed to make. You were… You were…"

"Maybe it wasn't... But I think it was the right one."

5:54 PM

"I'm sure of it."

"You were supposed to make a choice!" Kite swings a punch at Shawn. Gunshot Blood splashed out of Kite's head. "…Huh?" He crumples to the floor.

"Wh... What?"

6:00 PM

"Kite!?"

6:00 PM

Shawn looks up at the shooter

"I did it… Mom. I-I made a choice." Maria is holding the smoking gun. Her mouth is a smile, but her eyes are crying.

"What the FUCK is wrong with you!?!"

"…" She dropped the gun and ran out.

Shawn looks back down at Kite

He’s not moving.

Shawn drops down and checks Kites pulse

((Roll))

((3))

He's gone.

This can’t be…

7:52 PM

I…

7:52 PM

This can’t be fucking happening right now

7:52 PM

I just got him back

7:52 PM

I just….

7:53 PM

Shawn cradles his body and puts his head to his chest

Shawn is uninterrupted.

was it not good enough for you to take him from me the first time

8:05 PM

did it not satiate you

8:05 PM

wasn’t brutal enough

8:06 PM

I don’t know who I’m talking to.

8:08 PM

I put Kites body down. I walk out the door, after Maria

Maria is gone. The only thing left outside is the prison truck, which Shawn has the keys to.

Shawn looks around to see if he can find where Maria went

((Roll))

((10))

No sign of her.

…

8:13 PM

Shawn sits down on the steps of the porch

8:14 PM

Shawn didn’t really care about getting revenge on Maria. He was more hoping that if he could find her and go after her, she might shoot him too. Then at the very least, he would have died for something, even if it was stupid

8:15 PM

He loved Kite so much

8:15 PM

He couldn’t even bear to look behind him at the body

It's not your fault anymore. Isn't that good enough? I give him this thought. Why isn't he appreciating the gift?

Is that better?

8:18 PM

Shawn doesn’t know

8:18 PM

The thought doesn’t give him any comfort

8:18 PM

At the end of the day, Kite was still torn away from him.

That's life.

If this is what life is, then why continue?

I wasn't talking to you that time. Whatever the case, nothing happens until Shawn leaves.

Shawn takes the keys out of his pockets. He can go somewhere else. Where’s he going to go, though. Back to Avengard?

8:22 PM

There’s nothing for him there. Theres nothing for him anywhere

8:22 PM

If he can’t be a hero, he’s nothing. And if he can’t have Kite, then none of this means anything

8:29 PM

Shawn goes back inside, and sits next to Kites corpse

It hasn't moved.

He realizes now that this is the first time he’s spent a long time this close to Kite

8:32 PM

Kite was only what Shawn wanted him to be when he died

8:34 PM

God, what now? If he goes back to Avengard they’ll just arrest him immediately

8:34 PM

And he’s got no where else to go

8:34 PM

He can’t stay here, though.

8:36 PM

He sits by kites body for a while, before heading outside again. He looks to see how Kite actually managed to get here

8:36 PM

Is there another car?

Not anymore.

Shawn doesn’t want to leave

8:44 PM

Shawn doesn’t want to stay here but he really doesn’t want to leave

8:45 PM

At least it’s safe here. Even if it’s horrible. Even if the corpse of his boyfriend is lying there on the deck

8:50 PM

He should do something about that

8:50 PM

Maybe

8:50 PM

Give him a burial or something?

8:51 PM

Shawn looks around for a shovel

There's no shovel.

Great

8:58 PM

Shawn doesn’t think a shallow grave would be respectful

8:58 PM

He doesn’t want to just leave him here, though. Looks like he’s running out of options.

8:59 PM

He can burn the body, maybe. Make an urn. Take it with him.

((Saturday))

No lighter, though. Plus everything in this house is flammable

1:17 PM

Nothing is ever easy.

1:18 PM

Shawn looks back at Kites body sprawled onto the ground, as well as the ashes of his destroyed suit and Kite’s destroyed crowbar

I think there might be another option here. (edited)

1:38 PM

Shawn reconsiders. The thing he's thinking of is absurd and stupid.

1:38 PM

Well, I don't really have any better options, do I?

1:40 PM

Ehn. That dog... or whatever it was, is the cause of all of this happening. I still have absolutely no idea how these items work, but... Well, if I could find that dog again, maybe I could make a deal? To get some new item. To bring him back.

1:41 PM

Shawn's mind is jumping to wild conclusions off of no information. Besides, would Kite even want that? Even when I kissed him, he still pushed back and rejected it. He still fell back to the same roles I was trying so hard to move away from. (edited)

1:43 PM

Besides, Shawn has no control over whether Ehn appears. He hasn't seen the dog in over a week.

1:46 PM

I am not just going to keep sitting here and doing nothing. Besides, I have enough enemies in Avengard that maybe one of them will get me before I can even find the stupid dog.

1:47 PM

Shawn checks Kites pockets and takes whatever is inside of them out

His eyepatch is the first thing Shawn finds in his pockets.

Shawn picks it up and stares at it

Shawn thinks back to everything that happened over the last few days. He’s made enough memories for a lifetime, though he doubts he’ll live that long. Kite was an endlessly complicated person, but his memory won’t die with him.

2:08 PM

Shawn puts on Kites eyepatch

Shawn continues to check Kites pockets

Theres a small piece of paper with a phone number.

...

3:21 PM

Shawn takes out his phone and calls the number.

"Is it over?" It’s Howard.

Shawn doesn't say anything

"Wrong number?"

"No. I'm on the right one."

"…Figures. You did everything to yourself now, I imagine. You’ve got no reason to kill me anymore. Isn’t life funny like that?"

"Why'd you pretend he was dead? To get a confession out of me?"

"Wouldn’t it have been better if he was?"

"He deserves life more then you do."

3:33 PM

"I'm not here for threats and insults. I assume you saved him and sent him to Carolyn?"

"I was only here for those." He hung up.

Always an asshole.

3:36 PM

Shawn takes out Kite's phone and swaps out his sim card for Kite's sim card. He leaves his phone on the couch.

3:36 PM

He goes to a window and pulls off a curtain, and wraps Kite's body in it.

3:38 PM

Before he leaves, he checks the pantry if there's any food.

Theres a bunch of old cans and no can opener.

Figures. Shawn remembers an episode of Twilight Zone that had something aproximating this happen.

3:41 PM

He goes to the TV and checks the current AG news.

The news is focused on an empty set. No one is visible or onscreen. It’s eerie.

Odd.

3:44 PM

Shawn hopes Detective Scott enjoys dealing with whatever that is.

3:44 PM

Let's get going

3:45 PM

Shawn takes Kite's wrapped body and moves it into the back of the truck.

This succeeds.

Shawn seals the door with the broken lock and heads to the drivers seat, intent to head back to Avengard

3:51 PM

He starts the car and heads off

The truck passes by Shawn’s old hometown.

Shawn parks near an overlook, and steps out of the car to look at the town (edited)

It hasn’t changed.

Shawn smiles, looking onto it.

4:00 PM

He lived in a small town. Used to be a lot bigger, but most folks moved out after a couple of corporations moved their headquarters away. Shawn grew up after that, and the town was always sleepy. He can see his childhood house from here. He can see Meryl's Convenience Store where he used to hang out after school. He can see the old library, and the old fire station, and the water tower, still in desperate need of repair.

4:02 PM

I didn't think I'd ever see these things again. More then that, I didn't think I'd ever miss them like I do right now. Back when I lived here, the only thing I ever wanted was to be somewhere else. I felt shackled, limited, like I was stuck, trapped to be the person I was for my whole life.

4:08 PM

When my mom told me we were moving, I thought it was the best news I'd ever heard. I'd finally get another chance to make something of myself, to be someone who... made an impact on the world, I guess.

4:08 PM

Did I get what I wanted?

4:09 PM

I look at myself now, with my disheveled clothes and my scars and my eyepatch and my lost love and I wonder if any of it means anything.

4:12 PM

On some level, I long for the life I once had in this place. But I know I'd never ever ever be happy here.

4:13 PM

Is that better? To have loved and lost then never to have loved at all? That's a reference to something, but I don't know what.

4:14 PM

What I am is empty. There's a massive hole inside my soul that I have been desperate to fill for my entire life. (edited)

4:15 PM

It's been consuming me for as long as I can remember.

4:18 PM

My entire identity is constructed of context. The person called Shawn Duveldt is a construction I made in order to deal with the world, and I made it out of old comic books and video games. A lot of the time, I feel like my personhood is only skin-deep, that once you break past my skin and get down to the deeper layers that there is just truly nothing there.

4:19 PM

I've spent years trying to figure out some way to fill it in. Some way to feel like a real, complete person. That's what I hated about this place. People here would only ever know me for this constructed identity.

4:20 PM

I thought that when I moved, things would change. I would be different. But it was doomed to fail. (edited)

4:22 PM

I suppose it was because my ideas for what filling in that hole meant were built from the same context as everything else. I thought if I played the hero I'd feel better.

4:22 PM

I did feel better.

4:22 PM

I think.

4:22 PM

Was it because I played the hero? Or was it because of him?

4:24 PM

When I kissed him, I saw a future in my head. I saw us leaving together on that car, roaming the countryside, wandering America till we eventually settled down in some random town where no one knew us and lived together. I realized now that... The town I was picturing was this place.

4:25 PM

I hated this place, though. Why would I think about it like that?

4:31 PM

Shawn stays staring out into the town for a while

4:32 PM

He smiles to himself. If this is the last he'll ever see of this place, then that's okay.

4:33 PM

He'll be content now.

4:34 PM

If I'm a hole with an identity made of context, then so is Kite. And so is Howard, and so is Lelouch, and so is everyone else out there.

4:36 PM

Even if my identity is plastic, I can stand by it. I can still be happy. I'll find a way.

4:36 PM

Shawn gets back into the car and keeps driving to Avengard, with the vague impossible goal that he intangibly wants.

((End session))

Harriet Kadin….2!!!!!!!!! started a thread. 1/6/2024 6:33 PM

Suddenly Kite's body comes back to life and he says "Shawn lets live in Meryl Town forever" and they do and they live there and they live happily ever after the end

2

1

5:02 PM

DONT THUMBS DOWN ME

5:02 PM

SO MEAN

"Heheheheheheh! AHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA! I AM THE MERYL TOWN BOMBER!"

1

Shawn Duveldt jolts awake, eyes wide open and hands clutching his blanket. He grips himself tightly for a few seconds, before realizing where he is, and what had happened.

8:02 PM

Oh. It was a dream. Alright.

8:02 PM

He climbs off the gray couch that he'd slept on and grabs his glasses from the table. He hadn't meant to sleep in the basement again, but he stayed up too late last night and didn't feel like going up to his room. Besides, out of every room in the house, this one feels the most like home.

8:02 PM

He reaches for his phone and checks the time. 1 PM. If school was still a thing, his mom would've killed him.

8:02 PM

On some level, Shawn thinks it's nice he gets to stay up as late as he wants and wake up whenever he wants without a single obligation anywhere. It's like summer vacation, but forever. But whenever he feels that way, the rest of him fights back. Every small convenience of this new life comes with a small reminder that it was given to him by Lelouch. It makes all that happiness feel hollow and fake, like it's another thing she'd installed inside of him. It's not something that he likes to dwell on.

8:02 PM

He heads out of the basement and to the bathroom, where he quickly brushes his teeth, washes his face, and puts in a contact. One advantage of wearing an eyepatch all the time is that you only ever need one contact lens. That's good, because Shawn isn't totally sure if there are any optometrists left in the city. He heads to his room and quickly changes into a fresh set of clothes. Clothing stores in the city offer tons of free clothes, but Shawn figured it was all women's clothes, so he didn't bother looking. Besides, he'd feel awkward being the only boy customer there. Instead, he stuck with what he wore before all this Lelouch stuff, no matter how old and raggedy it was. He shuffles through his closet and pulls out his yellow shirt with an egg on it. This one is probably his favorite.

8:03 PM

That reminds him: he should probably get something to eat. He walks over to the kitchen to make something, but finds the refrigerator basically empty. Shawn's parents were never big into cooking – even before Lelouch took over, they ate out a lot. But it seems that with everything being free now, they don't even bother going grocery shopping anymore. He sighs, figuring he has to head to eat somewhere.

8:10 PM

As he puts on his shoes and jacket, he remembers a diner that he once went to with Kite. Shawn recalls he'd done his best to cherish that moment, but Kite was done with it the moment he entered that diner. He had called it a "filler arc," or something like that. Kite was never really one to stop and smell the roses, but that one felt really hurtful at the time. Shawn wonders if Kite ever actually cared to spend time with him outside of being a superhero. He wonders that a lot these days.

8:10 PM

Either way, there's no way Kite would ever have approved of the lifestyle Shawn's living nowadays. Spending all of his time moping and feeling sad for himself instead of thinking of some new scheme to get back at Lelouch – he'd be disgusted if he could see Shawn now. But Kite's gone, and Shawn doesn't really know how to be a superhero without him. He knows that Kite would never be able to forgive him, but even if he somehow changed his mind, he's too dead to voice his opinion, so it doesn't matter anyway.

8:10 PM

Still, though, no matter how many times Shawn tells himself that he was gone, Kite never really felt gone. It still feels like he's only one text away, somewhere just out of reach. He keeps anticipating something he knows will never come, and he doesn't know how to stop himself from doing that.

8:10 PM

I'm sure I'll figure it out someday.

8:10 PM

He sighs and heads to the front entrance. Opening the front door, he almost jumps back in surprise. (edited)

8:10 PM

"Ashley!?"

Standing in front of Shawn, wearing black designer boots, an ornately designed flowery red dress, and an expensive-looking white leather fur jacket, is Ashley Laurier. "Ah, hi Shawn!! Nice to see you again.

" She smiles sweetly. "Um… I was just gonna ask if you wanted to head out to lunch with me today?"

"Oh, hey!" Shawn pauses for a second "Cool jacket! And yeah, that sounds great, where were you thinking of going?"

8:11 PM

"Wait, how did you find my house?"

"Hehe, don't worry about it.

" She shrugs playfully. "And I dunno yet. I was hoping we could look around and decide together. Plus, I'll tell you all about the clothes I've picked out since yesterday – you wouldn't believe how pretty these clothes are that they're just giving away."

Shawn smiles back at Ashley. The sun shines brightly against the concrete, it's a bright, cloudless day. Some time ago, the harsh sunlight of days like this would have made Shawn want to coop up in his room. But now, for a reason he can't figure out, Shawn can't see it as anything other than radiant.

8:13 PM

He steps through the doorway, excited for the day to come.

8:13 PM

((end session))